RALEIGH, (SGRToday.com) - Charlotte's public accommodations ordinace was set aside by the General Assembly Wednesday with passage of a law that sets state standards for discrimination and forbids localities from setting stricter standards.

The bipartisan vote was 84 to 26 in the House of Representatives, with 11 Democrats voting with Republicans. In the North Carolina Senate, Democrats left the chamber as the vote was about to be taken, leading to a 32 to 0 vote  in favor of the bill. The action took place during a special legislative session.

Gov. Pat McCrory signed the bill into law Wednesday night, saying Charlotte had overreached.

The controversial bill was passed by the Charlotte mayor and council just weeks ago. Cast as protections for transgendered individuals, the ordinance would have allowed men to use women's restrooms and locker rooms, and vice versa, based on the person's chosen gender identity.