NC House Majority Leader Brenden Jones, who has served in the position since 2025, says he is drafting legislation to expand the state’s existing “Parents’ Bill of Rights.” The 2023 law already restricts classroom instruction on gender identity, sexual orientation and sexual activity in kindergarten through fourth grade.
Jones who wants to take it a step further: the latest bill would remove books referencing LGBTQ+ themes from elementary school libraries statewide, effectively barring elementary students from accessing all books that discuss gender identity or sexual orientation.
“It’s inappropriate for young children to be exposed to literature about sexual orientation,” Jones said in an interview with WRAL news, outlining the rationale behind the effort.
He has also signaled a tougher enforcement approach, telling reporters, “We’re going to put some real teeth in this bill… so there will be no cloudy areas and no gray areas.”
The proposal follows months of tension between lawmakers and local school districts, particularly in Chapel Hill-Carrboro where locals have rebuked the call to censorship and legislators have questioned the remaining presence of books dealing with gender identity and sexuality.
Jones has indicated that districts could face consequences if they fail to comply with stricter rules.
State Reps. Marcia Morey of Durham, Allison Dahle of Raleigh, Deb Butler of Wilmington and state Sen. Lisa Grafstein wrote in an opinion piece that appeared in the Raleigh News and Observer the following:
“Jones won’t be satisfied until his legislative and social media crusade ensures there is no library book that utters the words ‘gay, two mommies or daddies, pride, queer or transsexual.’
“And he engages in theatrics daring any school official in North Carolina to cross him. If they do, he will make sure school funding is cut in their districts.
“According to Jones, any library book mentioning same-sex relationships, pride or parades, is “a slap in the face of every parent in their district.”
Critics, including Democratic lawmakers and civil liberties advocates, argue the plan amounts to broad censorship targeting LGBTQ representation.
Opponents say such measures could raise constitutional concerns and limit students’ exposure to diverse perspectives, while supporters frame the effort as protecting young children from age-inappropriate material.
The debate in North Carolina mirrors a broader national trend, as lawmakers in multiple states introduce or expand restrictions on books dealing with race, sexuality and gender identity.
Legal experts warn that aggressive bans often lead to court challenges over First Amendment rights and educational standards.
As the General Assembly prepares for its next session, the proposed legislation is expected to draw intense scrutiny, with educators, parents and advocacy groups on both sides preparing for what could become a defining fight over the role of public schools – and who decides what children are allowed to read.
