Protesters hold rally to mourn Orlando shooting victims

Opponents of North Carolina's law preventing local governments from passing LGBT anti-discrimination protections and directing which bathrooms transgender people can use reunited Monday to honor victims of the shooting at an Orlando, Fla., gay nightclub that killed 49 people.

Posted 10:13 a.m. Jun 20, 2016 — Updated 11:20 p.m. Jun 20, 2016

RALEIGH, N.C. — Opponents of North Carolina's law preventing local governments from passing LGBT anti-discrimination protections and directing which bathrooms transgender people can use reunited Monday to honor victims of the shooting at an Orlando, Fla., gay nightclub that killed 49 people.

The "Moral Monday" movement, led by the state NAACP, held a vigil "against hate and discrimination" on the Bicentennial Plaza, across the street from the Legislative Building.

Participants held photos of the Orlando shooting victims, released doves and hugged at the end of the rally, which included speeches against House Bill 2, the state's LGBT law, as well as new voter identification requirements.

Two previous rallies in April and May ended with arrests of protesters who authorities say refused to leave the Legislative Nuilding or offices of General Assembly leaders after hours.

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