North Carolina's Democratic Governor, Roy Cooper, has rejected three bills passed by the Republican-led legislature concerning LGBTQ+ matters in education and healthcare for transgender youth. The move sets up a likely veto override, given the Republicans' supermajority in both chambers.
One of the bills, mirroring legislation in Florida, mandates parental notification if a child wishes to change their name or pronouns at school. It also restricts discussions about LGBTQ+ topics in elementary school classrooms. Governor Cooper criticized the measure, arguing that existing laws already adequately address parental rights and that lawmakers should focus on improving education funding rather than engaging in "political culture wars."
North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper vetoed three GOP bills targeting LGBT issues. (AP Photo/Hannah Schoenbaum)
Two other bills focus on transgender issues. The first prohibits gender-affirming care, such as puberty blockers and surgery, for minors. The second bars transgender girls from participating in girls' sports. Governor Cooper contends that these bills interfere with established medical practices and usurp parental authority in healthcare decisions.
Protests have occurred in response to similar legislation in other states. (Twitter @TaylerUSA)
Republican lawmakers have expressed confidence in overturning the governor's vetoes, citing their successful override of his veto on a 12-week abortion ban in May. Senator Vickie Sawyer, a sponsor of the sports bill, accused Governor Cooper of prioritizing "far-left donors" over female athletes.
The abortion debate continues to be a contentious issue. (Alex Slitz/Charlotte Observer/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)
