(Just The News)—Recognition of only two sexes as defined in proposed North Carolina legislation, and three diversity policy bills have been vetoed by first-term Democrat Gov. Josh Stein.
The quartet of rejections on Thursday morning ahead of the holiday weekend came alongside eight bills signed into law. Among those was the Parents Protection Act.
Efforts to overturn all or some of the vetoes will come, said leaders of the Republican majority General Assembly.
“At a time when teachers, law enforcement, and state employees need pay raises and people need shorter lines at the DMV, the Legislature failed to pass a budget and, instead, wants to distract us by stoking culture wars that further divide us,” Stein said in a statement. “These mean-spirited bills would marginalize vulnerable people and also undermine the quality of public services and public education. Therefore, I am vetoing them. I stand ready to work with the Legislature when it gets serious about protecting people and addressing North Carolinians’ pressing concerns.”
House Speaker Destin Hall, R-Caldwell, said he was disappointed, and Stein chose to side “with radical activists over the overwhelming majority of North Carolinians who believe in parental rights, biological reality and protecting women and children.”
The U.S. Supreme Court has already sided with Tennessee in banning gender-affirming care for minors, and Thursday said it would take up two challenges from West Virginia and Idaho related to women’s sports.
Prevent Sexual Exploitation/Women and Minors, known also as House Bill 805, declares there are two sexes “without regard to an individual’s psychological, chosen or subjective experience of gender.” It defines gender identity as “a term that means an individual’s self-declared identity that may not align with biological sex and being a subjective internal sense, shall not be treated as legally or biologically equivalent to sex.”
The House agreed to Senate modifications of religious objections for school assignments; parental limits on school library books that can be borrowed; and library book databases in each school district.
The law aligns with executive orders issued by President Donald Trump, both in giving definitions and in the effort to protect women’s spaces.
Stein also vetoed Eliminating “DEI” in Public Education (Senate Bill 227), Eliminating “DEI” in Public Higher Ed. (Senate Bill 558), and Equality in State Agencies/Prohibition on DEI (House Bill 171).
“Gov. Josh Stein had the opportunity to support women and girls across North Carolina today, yet he chose to bow down to a radical ideology that harms women,” said Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Berger, R-Rockingham. “In House Bill 805, we took bold action to define two sexes in state law, just like President Trump did in his groundbreaking executive order.
“Gov. Stein also had the chance to rid our public schools, colleges and universities, and state agencies of divisive ‘DEI’ programs but refused to do so. He’s choosing to ignore the clear will of the people who are tired of politically correct nonsense.”
The higher education bill says it is an act “to demonstrate the General Assembly’s intent that students, professors, administrators, and other employees of public institutions of higher education recognize the equality and rights of all persons and to prohibit public institutions of higher education from promoting certain concepts that are contrary to that intent.”
The K-12 bill says it is an act “to demonstrate the General Assembly’s intent that students, teachers, administrators, and other school employees recognize the equality and rights of all persons and to prohibit public school units from promoting certain concepts that are contrary to that intent.”
The agencies bill language says it is an act “eliminating diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in state and local government and clarifying the penalty provisions of the state budget act and local government budget and fiscal control act.”
Leading the list of new laws was the Parents Protection Act. Also known as Senate Bill 442 with companion House Bill 560, it prohibits parents from prosecution for refusing to affirm the gender identity of a child that experiences gender dysphoria.
The law makes sure parents can’t be accused of abuse or neglect for raising their child according to birth sex or lose custody of their children if there is disagreement of their sex when born and a potential gender identity claim. Medical decisions are the parents’ fundamental rights, according to the bill. Also, potential adoptions or foster care would not be tied to prospective parents having to affirm gender identity.
The other seven bills signed into law included:
- Improve Health and Human Services (SB600).
- Neighbor State License Recognition Act (HB763).
- Continuing Care Retirement Communities Act (HB357/HB719).
- Various Education Changes (SB125).
- Extend Certain Rights to Catawba Nation (SB655).
- Info. Rights of Estate/Death of LLC Member (SB307).
- NCCCS LMS/NCLDS (SB133).
Stein has 18 bills awaiting action. Two have 10-day deadlines on Monday, including the famed Make Elevators Great Again bill touted by first-term Republican Labor Commissioner Luke Farley.
Three Reasons a Coffee Gift Set From This Christian Company Is Perfect for Christmas
When you’re searching for a Christmas gift that’s meaningful, useful, and rooted in faith, you don’t want to settle for anything generic. This season is filled with noise — mass-produced products, last-minute picks, and trends that fade as quickly as they appear. But one gift stands apart because it blends genuine quality with a message that matters: a coffee gift set from Promised Grounds Coffee.
This small Christian-owned company has become a favorite among believers who want to support faith-driven businesses while giving friends and family something they’ll actually enjoy. Here are three reasons a Promised Grounds Coffee gift set may be the most thoughtful and impactful present you give this year.
1. It’s Truly Delicious Coffee
Too many “gift-worthy” coffees look beautiful in the package but disappoint when the cup is poured. Promised Grounds takes the opposite approach — exceptional taste first, thoughtful presentation second.
Their beans are sourced with care, roasted in small batches, and crafted to bring out a rich, smooth flavor profile that appeals to both casual drinkers and true coffee lovers. Whether someone enjoys bold, dark roasts or lighter, more delicate blends, every sip reflects quality that stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the biggest specialty brands.
Simply put: this coffee is good. Really good. Some say it’s absolutely fantastic. If you want a gift that won’t be re-gifted, ignored, or shoved in a cabinet, this is it.
2. It Spreads the Word While Serving a Real Purpose
There are many Christian gifts that are meaningful… but not exactly practical. There are also useful gifts that have nothing to do with faith. Promised Grounds Coffee bridges both worlds beautifully.
Each gift set delivers an encouraging, faith-centered message through its packaging and presentation — a simple but powerful reminder of God’s goodness during the Christmas season. The cups are especially popular and serve as a daily reminder of the blessings from our Lord. At the same time, the product itself is something people will actually use and appreciate every single day.
It’s a gift that uplifts the spirit and fills the mug. A gift that points loved ones toward Scripture while still being part of the normal rhythm of life. And in a culture that increasingly pushes faith to the margins, giving a gift that quietly but confidently honors Christ can make a deeper impact than you might expect.
3. It’s Affordable, Valuable, and Elegantly Presented
Many people want to give something meaningful without breaking their Christmas budget. Promised Grounds Coffee strikes that perfect balance — the sets look and feel premium, but the price remains accessible.
The packaging is classy, clean, and gift-ready, making it ideal for:
- Family members of all ages
- Co-workers or employees
- Church friends or small-group leaders
- Hosts, neighbors, and last-minute gift needs
It’s the kind of gift that feels more expensive than it is — and more thoughtful than most of what you’ll find on store shelves.
The Perfect Blend of Faith, Flavor, and Christmas Cheer
A coffee gift set from Promised Grounds Coffee checks every box: a gift that tastes amazing, conveys your faith, supports a Christian business, and brings daily enjoyment to the person who receives it. In a season when so many gifts are forgotten, this one stands out for all the right reasons.
If you want a Christmas present that reflects your values and delivers genuine joy, Promised Grounds Coffee is the perfect place to start.