Protesters Arrested as North Carolina Lawmakers Approve Controversial Bills

The North Carolina General Assembly approved two controversial bills that would limit the incoming Democratic governor’s powers on Friday, December 16, as protesters marched outside the chamber.

The protesters were not allowed inside the gallery a day after officials cleared protesters and reporters from the gallery. At least 18 people were arrested on Friday, including a man dressed as Santa Claus.

One bill lawmakers approved will reduce the Democrats power over election regulations, and outgoing Gov. Pat McCrory signed it into law. The second bill would require any appointees by the governor to be approved by lawmakers while also removing the governor’s ability to appoint members of the UNC system schools boards of trustees. McCrory has not said if he would sign the bill into law.

Lawmakers have been meeting after McCrory called for a special session to address relief following Hurricane Matthew. Protesters have been calling the move to limit the next administration’s power the “GOP coup.” Credit: Twitter/North Carolina NAACP via Storyful