Stein vetoes DEI bills in a decisive move that has sparked a fierce political battle in North Carolina. Governor Josh Stein rejected four controversial bills Friday, three of which targeted diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts in state government.
Speaking at a press conference, Stein called the bills “mean-spirited” and accused Republicans of ignoring urgent budget responsibilities. He warned that the legislation would marginalize already vulnerable communities across North Carolina.
The three DEI-related bills aimed to ban training and hiring practices focused on inclusion. They also sought to eliminate DEI staff positions and programs funded by the state. Additionally, the legislation would have allowed civil penalties for employees who violate these restrictions.
Not a single Democrat supported the DEI-focused proposals. Stein vetoes DEI bills amid growing concerns over partisan divisions in the legislature. So far, Republicans have failed to pass a fiscal budget for the new year.
The fourth bill addressed transgender identity and birth certificate records. It mandated that the state attach a transgender person’s updated birth certificate to the original document. It also reaffirmed a binary understanding of sex within state law.
Although Stein supported certain anti-exploitation clauses in the bill, he ultimately vetoed it. He said the bill’s broader scope unfairly targeted transgender individuals. “My faith teaches me that we are all children of God,” he explained. “It is wrong to attack vulnerable people.”
Only one Democrat supported the fourth bill before it reached the governor’s desk. All four vetoed bills now return to the General Assembly. Lawmakers could reconvene later this month to attempt override votes.
Currently, Republicans are one vote short of a veto-proof majority in the House. Stein vetoes DEI bills, bringing his total number of vetoes to 11 since taking office in January. Notably, all have occurred in the past two weeks.
Stein previously served as state attorney general and a state senator. He campaigned on affordable housing, job growth, education, and abortion access. His recent vetoes reflect a commitment to those values during a period of deep partisan tension.
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