Governor Stein Vetoes Four Bills Limiting LGBTQ Rights and DEI Programs

Gov. Josh Stein vetoed four bills related to eliminating diversity and equity programs in state agencies and public schools; restricting the rights of the LGBTQ community in North Carolina. 

“These mean-spirited bills would marginalize vulnerable people and also undermine the quality of public services and public education. Therefore, I am vetoing them,” Stein said in a statement explaining his vetoes of SB558, SB227, HB171, and HB805. 

The first three prohibit Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies in public colleges and schools, as well as state agencies, aligning North Carolina with presidential orders issued to end those programs at the federal level. 

The fourth bill vetoed by Stein, HB805, originally sought to regulate content posted on the internet and prevent the sexual exploitation of women and minors, but the Senate added several amendments that limit the rights of LGBTQ folks such as officially recognizing only two sexes, prohibiting the use of public funds for gender-affirming treatments or surgeries, and restricting the teaching of sex education in public schools.    

Stein criticized the Republican-led Legislature, saying “it has its priorities wrong” by focusing on stoking a culture war in the state instead of passing the state budget to address the state’s most urgent needs. 

“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. 

“I stand ready to work with the legislature when it gets serious about protecting people and addressing North Carolinians’ pressing concerns,” the Governor added. 

The four bills will return to the Legislature where the Republican majority will try to override the Governor’s vetoes, as some of its leaders announced. 

“Governor Stein vetoed this bill (HB805) and sided with radical activists, over the overwhelming majority of North Carolinians. We will continue to fight,” Destin Hall, speaker of the state House of Representatives, said on X.