North Carolina's Bill Defending Anti-Gay Law Tops $176,000

Fees for attorneys defending North Carolina's controversial law that targets the LGBT community have reached more than $176,000.

The AP obtained legal bills from the law firms working on the case through a public records request.

Lawyers representing Republican lawmakers have racked up $129,000 in fees, while lawyers working for Governor Pat McCrory have billed nearly $47,000.

House Bill 2 was approved during a one-day special session in March. It blocks local municipalities from enacting LGBT protections and restricts transgender bathroom use in public buildings.

Despite a loud outcry, GOP lawmakers ended the legislative session without repealing the law.

That decision led the NBA to pull its upcoming All-Star Game from Charlotte.

(Related: Pat McCrory defends anti-gay law; Calls decision to move All-Star Game “PC BS.”)

A federal judge is expected to hear arguments Monday on whether to block the law's enforcement.