North Carolina Passes Controversial Bill Banning Trans Athletes, Usurping Dem Governor's Power

The bill will now be sent to the desk of Democrat Gov. Roy Cooper, who has limited power to block it, given that Republicans hold veto-proof majorities in both chambers of the General Assembly. House Republicans were joined by one Democrat, Rep. Michael Wray of Northampton County, in voting for the measure.

At least 22 other states have banned trans athletes from participating in school sports consistent with gender identity. Like many other Republican-led state legislatures, North Carolina could soon push several other bills across the finish line that target trans youth, including a gender-affirming care ban for minors and a requirement that teachers alert a child's parents of name or pronoun changes.

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June 25, 2023

The athletics bill would designate sports by the sex assigned at birth. Transgender girls would be unable to participate in girls' middle school, high school, and college sports. Restrictions would apply to state universities, community colleges, and public and some private middle and high schools. They would not apply to intramural college sports nor prevent trans boys from playing on boys' teams. Students would also have a right to sue if they are harmed by a trans student violating the restrictions. Bill supporters, such as Tami Fitzgerald, executive director of the socially conservative North Carolina Values Coalition, say the legislation is needed to protect the safety and well-being of young female athletes and preserve scholarship opportunities. "Women and girls who train for countless hours and years in their sports will have a level playing field, and their opportunities will be protected if this legislation becomes law," she said.

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However, several legislative Democrats denounced the bill as discrimination disguised as a safety precaution. The restrictions unfairly pick on a small number of students, they argued, noting that only two trans girls had been approved by the state's high school athletic association to play this year in North Carolina. "We're sending a very strong message to a very vulnerable group of young people that says you are different, you're not allowed to participate," said Rep. Deb Butler of New Hanover County. "It's cruel."

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In response to the bill's passage, Cooper spokesperson Jordan Monaghan said, "instead of working to invest in our schools and pay our teachers more, Republicans are spending their time on political culture wars that have been proven to cost our state jobs." Initial votes in the House and Senate indicated any veto from Cooper, a supporter of LGBTQ+ rights, would likely be overridden in the final weeks of the session.