The North Carolina Values Coalition is urging state lawmakers to override Democratic Gov. Josh Stein’s veto of House Bill 805, which the group calls a commonsense measure to protect women, children, and parental rights.
Founded in 2011, the North Carolina Values Coalition describes itself on its website as a Christian, nonpartisan grassroots network advocating for pro-family policies statewide.
According to the coalition, HB 805’s key provisions include protecting women and children from online sexual exploitation, defending parental rights in education, prohibiting taxpayer funding of “gender transition” procedures for inmates, and creating legal recourse for victims harmed by such procedures.
The coalition called the bill “a critical step toward protecting our children and honoring the values of North Carolina families.”
The legislation, passed by the General Assembly earlier this year, defines sex based on biology rather than gender identity and prohibits male and female students in K-12 schools from sharing overnight accommodations. It also requires age and consent verification to restrict access to online pornography.
On July 3, Stein vetoed the bill, calling it “mean-spirited.” He claimed it would “marginalize vulnerable people” and “undermine the quality of public services and public education,” according to a press release from his office.
Lawmakers are scheduled to vote on a veto override July 29. With a three-fifths majority in both chambers, they can overturn the governor’s decision.
The coalition urges supporters to contact their representatives through its website.