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In a groundbreaking move, North Carolina has updated its family law provisions to include protections for LGBTQ+ families. The new law, which was signed into effect on December 30, 2025, aims to ensure that all families in the state are treated equally under the law.One of the key provisions of the updated law is the recognition of LGBTQ+ parents' rights to custody and visitation. Prior to this update, same-sex couples and LGBTQ+ individuals faced numerous legal hurdles when it came to issues of custody and visitation rights. The new law now ensures that LGBTQ+ parents have the same legal rights as heterosexual parents when it comes to their children.Additionally, the updated family law now includes provisions for LGBTQ+ individuals to legally establish parentage through surrogacy, donor insemination, and other assisted reproductive technologies. This means that LGBTQ+ parents who have children through these methods will now have legal recognition as parents from the moment of birth.Furthermore, the updated law also includes protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in matters of adoption and foster care. LGBTQ+ individuals and couples can no longer be denied the opportunity to adopt or foster children simply because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.The changes to North Carolina's family law have been met with widespread praise from LGBTQ+ advocacy groups and legal experts. Sarah Johnson, executive director of the North Carolina LGBTQ+ Rights Advocacy Group, commended the state for taking steps towards inclusivity and equality."By updating its family law provisions to include protections for LGBTQ+ families, North Carolina has shown that it values diversity and recognizes the importance of ensuring that all families are treated equally under the law," Johnson said.The updated family law is a significant step forward for LGBTQ+ rights in North Carolina and marks a positive shift towards creating a more inclusive and equitable legal system for all families in the state.