NC House sends parental rights gender legislation to governor
A bill has passed the North Carolina General Assembly that codifies the definitions of male and female into state law. The bill, which includes new restrictions on gender transition procedures and expanded parental rights in education, now heads to the governor’s office, where a veto is expected due to a partisan split on the bill.
House Bill 805 defines sex in state law based on biological attributes and bars K-12 schools from placing male and female students in the same sleeping quarters. It also prohibits the use of state funds for gender transition procedures in correctional facilities and allows individuals harmed by such procedures to sue for up to 10 years.
In a 65-43 vote, Prevent Sexual Exploitation/Women and Minors passed the House on Wednesday in nearly a party-line vote; though, notably, one Democrat voted in favor of the bill, which could be enough to override the governor.
“It strips access to medically necessary healthcare to transgender youth and others — not because it saves money, not because the science supports it, but because some in this chamber want to impose their personal beliefs on other people’s bodies,” said Rep. Deb Butler, D-New Hanover. “No other area of medicine do we single out a provider for this kind of punishment.”
In a press release, the North Carolina Republican Party applauded the legislation for helping Democrats to “finally learn what a woman is.”
“House Bill 805 makes clear what most people already know to be true: there are two genders. Despite the best efforts of the far Left, the people of North Carolina strongly believe in these common sense measures,” said NCGOP communications director Matt Mercer. “It’s now up to Gov. Josh Stein to sign this bill into law or see an override vote in short order.”
Parents could gain the right to opt their children out of certain instructional materials for religious reasons and flag school library books they consider inappropriate. School library catalogs would be required to be made searchable and available online.
Online platforms hosting pornographic content would be subject to stricter age-verification rules under the bill, with significant penalties for violations.
“We are so grateful to the NC House and Senate for passing this comprehensive bill that helps families across our state,” said Tami Fitzgerald, executive director of the NC Values Coalition. “From protecting women and children from sexual exploitation, to defining male and female by biology in NC law, to protecting girls in private spaces in K-12 schools, to helping victims of harmful gender transition procedures receive justice in court, and allowing parents to have a greater say in their child’s education… the provisions in this bill help make NC a state where families can thrive.”
During the Senate Judiciary Committee meeting on the bill last week, a spokesperson with Moms For Liberty also spoke in favor of the bill.
“Public Schools have a duty to create safe, comfortable environments for all students sex, separate spaces like restrooms, locker rooms and sleeping accommodations on field trips are essential,” said Julie Page, chair of Moms for Liberty North Carolina Legislative Committee. “Recognizing two sexes, and maintaining sex separate spaces is rooted in biology, safety and respect. It protects all students.”