North Carolina Governor Vetoes ‘Two Sexes’ Bill, Sparks Capitol Clash With GOP Lawmakers

RALEIGH, NC — North Carolina Governor Josh Stein vetoed four Republican-backed bills Thursday morning, including one that would legally define sex as strictly male or female — setting the stage for a major political showdown in the state Capitol.

The vetoed measure, House Bill 805, states that there are only two sexes and explicitly dismisses gender identity as a valid legal classification. It sparked intense debate across party lines and mirrors similar legislative efforts in states like Tennessee, Idaho, and West Virginia.

Governor Rejects GOP Efforts as ‘Culture War Distractions’

Gov. Stein, a first-term Democrat, defended his vetoes in a sharp statement aimed at legislative priorities.

“At a time when teachers, law enforcement, and state employees need pay raises and people need shorter lines at the DMV, the Legislature failed to pass a budget and instead wants to distract us by stoking culture wars that further divide us,” Stein said. “These mean-spirited bills would marginalize vulnerable people and undermine public education and services.”

Stein’s decision also blocked three other Republican-led measures aimed at banning Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) policies in K-12 schools, public universities, and state government agencies.

Republicans Push Back, Vow Override Attempt

Republican leaders in the General Assembly swiftly criticized the governor’s actions, accusing him of ignoring the will of voters.

House Speaker Destin Hall (R-Caldwell) condemned the veto, stating that Stein had sided “with radical activists over the overwhelming majority of North Carolinians who believe in parental rights, biological reality, and protecting women and children.”

Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Berger (R-Rockingham) also weighed in, saying:

“In House Bill 805, we took bold action to define two sexes in state law, just like President Trump did in his groundbreaking executive order… Gov. Stein had the opportunity to support women and girls across North Carolina today, yet he chose to bow down to a radical ideology that harms women.”

The bill’s language emphasizes that a person’s self-declared gender identity shall not be treated as legally or biologically equivalent to sex.

Parents Protection Act Signed Into Law

While Stein rejected four bills, he also signed eight into law — including the Parents Protection Act (Senate Bill 442 / House Bill 560). This measure bars state officials from prosecuting or accusing parents of abuse if they decline to affirm their child’s gender identity.

The law emphasizes parental rights in making medical decisions, even in cases where gender dysphoria is involved. It also ensures that decisions about foster care or adoption cannot be based on whether prospective parents affirm a child’s gender identity.

DEI Measures Rejected Across Education and State Agencies

Stein vetoed the following DEI-related bills:

Senate Bill 227: Eliminating DEI in K-12 public schools
Senate Bill 558: Eliminating DEI in public higher education
House Bill 171: Prohibiting DEI initiatives in state and local government

Each of these bills aimed to prohibit the promotion of certain concepts tied to race, gender, and privilege in taxpayer-funded institutions.

Supporters argue these laws were necessary to eliminate “divisive and politically charged” instruction, while critics warn the bans suppress inclusion efforts and academic freedom.

More Legislation on the Governor’s Desk

Governor Stein still has 18 bills awaiting action, including two high-profile measures set to reach their decision deadline next Monday. Among them is the buzzed-about Make Elevators Great Again bill, championed by Republican Labor Commissioner Luke Farley.

Other new laws signed Thursday include:

Improve Health and Human Services (SB600)
Neighbor State License Recognition Act (HB763)
Continuing Care Retirement Communities Act (HB357/HB719)
Various Education Changes (SB125)
Extend Certain Rights to Catawba Nation (SB655)
Information Rights of Estate / LLC Member (SB307)
NCCCS LMS / NCLDS system overhaul (SB133)

Do you believe legal recognition should be limited to only two sexes — or should gender identity have legal standing? Share your perspective at saludastandard-sentinel.com, where your voice contributes to balanced reporting across North and South Carolina.