A new bill is coming before the North Carolina legislature that would both repeal HB2 and bring more anti-discrimination protections to the state's LGBT community.

Rep. Pricey Harrison (D-Guilford), who sponsored the new measure, says it will go a long way to showing that North Carolina is a "welcoming and tolerant state."

A separate bill filed by Rep. Cecil Brockman (D-Guilford), repeals HB2 and adds statewide LGBT protections. But it also jacks penalties for sex-related crimes in restrooms and locker rooms. It's hoped that will appease Republicans who complain about opening the door to predators.

But, according to WRAL Channel 5, either bill getting a hearing, let alone passing, is a longshot.

Passed early last year by the GOP-controlled General Assembly, HB2 prohibits transgender people from using facilities that match their gender identity. It also bars cities and municipalities from passing anti-discrimination ordinances covering sexual orientation or gender identity.

An instant flashpoint for controversy, the law led to nationwide demonstrations, and cause major corporations to stop doing business in the state. The NCAA moved its upcoming championships out of North Carolina in protest of HB2, costing millions in revenue.

Governor Pat McCrory, who campaigned on his support for the law, lost his reelection bid to Democrat Roy Cooper, an opponent of "bathroom bills"

In December, it seemed as if state Republicans were willing to compromise, but that plan eventually fell apart.

h/t: AP