KEEPING IT 100: NORTH CAROLINA’S NEW GENDER LAW GOES INTO EFFECT — WHAT IT REALLY MEANS

RALEIGH, NC — January 1, 2026.   North Carolina has officially entered a new legal era. As of today, the state recognizes only two genders — male and female — based strictly on biological sex at birth. The change comes from House Bill 805, a controversial law passed by Republican lawmakers and enacted after overriding Governor Josh Stein’s veto.

Supporters say the law protects clarity in public records and school policies. Critics say it erases the identities of transgender residents and sets back civil rights by decades.

WHAT THE LAW SAYS

Under House Bill 805:

• State documents — including birth certificates and school records — must list gender as male or female only, based on sex assigned at birth

• Gender changes on official documents are no longer allowed

• Public institutions must follow this definition in all policies and reporting

This applies to schools, government agencies, and healthcare systems statewide.

WHO’S AFFECTED

The law directly impacts:

• Transgender and nonbinary residents who previously updated or planned to update gender markers

• Students whose school records may now be changed or restricted

• Healthcare providers who offer gender-affirming care and documentation

  
  

Civil rights groups say the law could lead to legal challenges and federal lawsuits.

HOW IT PASSED

The bill passed after Democratic Rep. Nasif Majeed of Charlotte broke party lines, giving Republicans the final vote they needed. House Speaker Destin Hall celebrated the override, posting “Facts are back in 2026” on social media.

Governor Stein called the law “divisive and unnecessary,” but the override made it official.

THE NATIONAL CONTEXT

North Carolina joins a growing list of states passing laws that restrict gender identity recognition. At the federal level, President Trump’s Executive Order 14187, signed in 2025, already banned federal support for gender-affirming care for minors.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Supreme Court is reviewing multiple cases this year that could reshape national gender rights — including sports participation, document changes, and healthcare access.

THE BOTTOM LINE

North Carolina’s new gender law is now in effect. For some, it’s a return to traditional definitions. For others, it’s a painful rollback of hard-won rights. And for every resident, it’s a reminder that the fight over identity, recognition, and equality is far from over.