CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – The North Carolina Senate passed the “Parent’s Bill of Rights” on Tuesday. The bill was passed on party lines, with every Republican present voting in favor.
Republicans say the bill protects the rights of parents, but critics call it an attack on LGBTQ youth. The bill restricts instruction on LGBTQ topics and gives parents more access to school curriculums.
Senator Amy Galey, a Republican, says that the bill has a lot of support.
“I know there is a very vocal, but in my opinion small, minority of people that do not support the bill, but the vast majority of the people I’ve talked to personally are 100 percent in agreement with the bill,” says Galey.
The bill bans instruction on gender identity, sexuality, and sexual activity from being taught from kindergarten to fourth grade. It also allows parents to review any materials that may be used in the classroom.
Schools would also now be required to notify parents before changing the name or pronouns of students in their records.
The bill now heads to the Republican-led House, where it will likely pass. The governor is expected to veto the bill, which will send it back to the General Assembly for veto override votes.