Asheville activists hold news conference in response to new LGBTQ legislation

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — North Carolina democrats filed three bills Thursday that aim to give the LGBTQ community more protections in North Carolina.

Shortly after, LGBTQ activists in Asheville held a news conference at First Congregational celebrating this historic day.

"I, and we, are here to tell you we will never be erased," said Rev. Jasmine Beach-Ferrara, executive director for the Campaign of Southern Equality. "These three bills teach a critical lesson."

The Equality For All Act would specifically protect LGBTQ people from being discriminated against when buying a home, getting a job, receiving credit, getting insurance or public housing.

The Mental Health Protection Act would protect LGBTQ children and adults from conversion therapy.

The third bill proposed is a full repeal of 2017's House Bill 2, also known as the "bathroom bill," by getting rid of House Bill 142.

"We feel relentlessly hopeful, and we feel that way because we know how many people in North Carolina support non-discrimination measures," added Beach-Ferrara.

She's not the only one. Kim Buchanan, pastor of First Congregational, also agrees.

"I've counseled many people who have been told they were wrong simply because of who they are," said Buchanan.

So far, 15 states across the country have passed laws protecting minors from conversion therapy.

It's the practice of attempting to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity.

Some in Asheville hope North Carolina will be added to that list.

However, psychologist and former chairman of the Buncombe County GOP, Dr. Carl Mumpower, disagrees.

"When you look at the very small percentages of people that this affects, I think this is more of an advocacy issue by a special interest group that is trying to convince us all that this is a horrific problem," said Mumpower.

Sponsors of the proposed bills say they have not yet discussed the ideas with their Republican colleagues, who still own the majority of seats in the North Carolina General Assembly.