North Carolina Legislature Overrides Vetoes, Targets Transgender Health Care and Athletes

The North Carolina Legislature has overridden Governor Roy Cooper's vetoes on three bills that target transgender rights. The bills ban gender-affirming healthcare for transgender minors, prevent transgender women and girls from participating in female sports teams, and limit classroom instruction on gender identity and sexuality. The new laws take effect immediately, making North Carolina the 22nd state to ban gender-affirming healthcare for transgender youth and the 19th state to do so this year. Critics argue that these bills are discriminatory and harmful to transgender individuals, while supporters claim they protect the integrity of women's sports.