A federal judge today used the words of North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory’s attorney to justify blocking the anti-trans provisions of the state’s controversial anti-LGBT law known as House Bill 2.

“Some transgender individuals have been quietly using bathrooms and other facilities that match their gender identity, without public awareness or incident.”

U.S. District Judge Thomas Schroeder granted a preliminary injunction barring the University of North Carolina from enforcing the so-called bathroom bill provision of HB 2, which bars transgender people from using restrooms and locker rooms that correspond with their gender identity when those facilities are in government buildings (including at the state-run university).

“Ultimately, the record reflects what counsel for Governor McCrory candidly speculates was the status quo ante in North Carolina in recent years,” writes Schroeder.

The 83-page ruling goes on to explain that the plaintiffs, who include three transgender North Carolinians who are students or faculty members at various UNC institutions, are likely to succeed in their claim that the anti-trans provision of HB 2 violates existing civil rights law that prohibits discrimination based on sex.