Raleigh considers expanded LGBTQ protections

The proposed ordinance would mirror one under consideration by the Wake County Board of Commissioners, prohibiting discrimination by private employers and government contractors and in public spaces like restaurants and stores for a number of factors, including one's sexual orientation or gender identity.

Any employer or business that violates the ordinance would face mediation and, if necessary, mandatory changes. The ordinance doesn't apply to religious organizations.

While it wouldn’t eliminate all restrictions and barriers – state law still dictates who can use which public bathrooms and locker rooms – LGBTQ advocates said local ordinances are a step in the right direction.

Teens like Harrison Casey Garcia, who was mistreated in high school because of how they identify, said they believe a Raleigh ordinance will protect other teens from the same heartache.

"It makes me very happy that I can fight for the younger generations and my siblings," Garcia said. "I think [my] whole situation would have gone so much differently if there was something in place for me."

Garcia said male students filmed them in a high school bathroom and then presented the video to school administrators, who then reprimanded Garcia and refused to call them by their chosen name.

"When a friend corrected him, he said, 'I'm sorry. I'm calling her by this,'" Garcia said.

More than a dozen other North Carolina cities have already adopted nondiscrimination ordinances.

The Raleigh City Council could adopt the ordinance as early as next week. Wake County officials said they hope other area cities and towns follow suit.