North Carolina’s Democratic governor has vetoed multiple anti-diversity bills, including those that would block gender affirming care for some citizens. Governor Josh Stein has recently blocked bill H.B. 805, which would ban the state from funding gender-affirming care for transgender prison inmates. It would also require that the state retain a copy of a trans person’s original birth certificate, even if they have their gender marker changed. According to LGBTQ Nation, the bill included language suggesting there are only two genders.
The bill was introduced as a bipartisan measure to require age verification for adult website use. However, WPDE reported that the final version had included a catalog of alt-right initiatives. A separate measure would allows parents to opt their children out of school activities that “impose a substantial burden on the student’s religious beliefs,” mimicking the recent Supreme Court decision dubbed the parental rights doctrine.
After vetoing the bill, Stein said of his decision: “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.” Stein also vetoed three bills attacking diversity efforts, one of which would cut funding to schools with DEI initiatives. Stein wrote that the state should “ensure our students learn from diverse perspectives and form their own opinions.” Stein criticized these bills claiming they were “riddled with vague definitions” and imposed “extreme penalties for unknowable violations,” according to LGBTQ Nation.
Stein continues to advocate for the LGBTQ+ community in North Carolina. Last week, he signed a bill that would block parents from being charged with abuse or neglect for raising transgender children.
Last year, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) endorsed Stein for governor of North Carolina. He won against opponent Mark Robinson who was known for his anti-LGBTQ rhetoric. “Josh Stein has fought for LGBTQ+ equality, safer communities, stronger schools, healthier families, and personal freedom while Mark Robinson calls LGBTQ+ people ‘filth’ and wants transgender people arrested just for using a bathroom,” HRC wrote.
“We want North Carolina to be welcoming to all people because everyone should be able to live their life free of discrimination, and we all succeed when we tap the potential of every North Carolinian. As Governor, I will continue to fight discrimination and hate against the LGBTQ+ community,” said Stein.
