North Carolina governor vetoes Republican-led anti DEI and trans legislation

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein vetoed four Republican-backed bills that targeted diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives and transgender policies. He described the DEI measures as mean‑spirited and divisive, arguing they marginalize vulnerable groups, while the legislature failed to pass a budget. The bills would have banned DEI programs and funding in state and local governments. The transgender bill, originally focused on age verification for adult websites, was amended to ban state‑funded gender‑affirming care for prisoners and to enforce recognition of sex assigned at birth. All four vetoed bills now return to the Republican‑controlled General Assembly, which may try to override the vetoes but is one vote short of a House supermajority.