North Carolina Governor Josh Stein has vetoed several controversial bills passed by the Republican-led state legislature, including one that would prohibit gender-affirming care for transgender individuals in the state prison system.
The legislation in question, H.B. 805, aimed to ban public funds from being used for hormone replacement therapy and gender-affirming surgeries for incarcerated transgender people. Additionally, it would have required state authorities to retain original birth certificates if gender markers were amended and defined gender strictly as male or female.
Initially introduced as a bipartisan bill focused on verifying ages for access to adult websites, the final version was significantly altered. It incorporated far-right policies, including anti-trans measures and a requirement for schools to allow parents to opt their children out of activities that might conflict with their religious beliefs, according to local outlet WPDE.
“My faith teaches me that we are all children of God, no matter our differences, and that it is wrong to target vulnerable people, as this bill does,” said Stein as he issued the veto.
The governor also blocked three additional bills targeting diversity initiatives. One bill proposed slashing funding for schools implementing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. Another sought to ban diversity training and DEI staff roles in state agencies, along with halting state funding for such efforts.
“We should not whitewash history,” Stein wrote, arguing that students benefit from exposure to diverse perspectives. He also criticised the state agency bill, saying it contained vague language and harsh penalties for unclear violations.
All four bills passed along party lines, with all Democrats opposing the diversity-focused measures and only one Democrat backing the anti-trans bill. While Republicans hold a near veto-proof majority, they still require at least one Democratic vote in the House to override Stein’s decisions.
State House Speaker Destin Hall condemned the vetoes, stating that Stein “has sided with radical activists over the overwhelming majority of North Carolinians who believe in parental rights, biological reality, and protecting women and children.”
Despite rejecting the four measures, Stein approved eight other bills on Thursday. Among them was legislation preventing parents from being investigated for abuse or neglect solely because they raise a transgender child according to their assigned sex at birth—a concept rooted in conservative fears about government overreach.
Another signed bill prohibits adoption agencies from turning away prospective parents who object to gender-affirming care for transgender youth. This approach aligns with Republican arguments in past debates that private agencies, even those receiving public funds, should not be compelled to comply with LGBTQ+ inclusive policies. Critics argue such laws ultimately harm LGBTQ+ children by allowing agencies to prioritise anti-LGBTQ+ views over affirming placements.
