“It is definitionally the case that a facially neutral law will ‘on its face,’ treat all citizens ‘in an identical manner,’” Schroeder wrote. “But in the instant case, plaintiffs allege that ‘the reality is that the law’s impact falls on the minority.’ It is transgender individuals, not biological-access advocates, who allege denial of the equal protection of the laws.”

In another section of the opinion, Schroeder wrote: “While HB142 does not prohibit plaintiffs’ efforts at advocacy, it plainly makes them meaningless by prohibiting even the prospect of relief at the local level.”

Schroeder, however, did not rule on a consent decree with Gov. Roy Cooper that would ensure transgender people can use restrooms corresponding to their gender identity at facilities run by executive-branch agencies that oversee the environment, transportation, Medicaid and others. Legislative leaders and state university system officials have not signed the agreement. Schroeder asked for parties to submit written arguments on the consent decree.

Carcano said he was relieved “to finally have the court unequivocally say that there is no law in North Carolina that can be used to bar transgender people from using restrooms that match who we are.”