The California State Assembly has approved a bill, AB 957, making gender affirmation a factor to be considered in child custody cases. The bill, passed on Friday by a vote of 57-16, was previously approved by the California Senate with a vote of 30-9.
This new legislation, titled the Transgender, Gender-Diverse, and Intersex Youth Empowerment Act, seeks to prioritise the “health, safety and welfare” of children, placing a spotlight on affirming a child's gender identity. The bill, initially introduced by Democratic Assemblywoman Lori D. Wilson on February 24, underwent amendments in the Assembly on March 13 and further modifications in the Senate on June 5 before its final approval.
Under the proposed law, parents, who fail to acknowledge and support their child's gender transition, could face potential consequences, including the loss of custody rights to another parent or even the state itself. The bill's supporters argue that it is in the best interest of children, aiming to create a more inclusive and affirming environment for gender-diverse youth.
Democratic lawmakers, who championed the bill, contend that it is a necessary step to ensure the well-being of transgender and gender-diverse children. They argue that judges already possess discretion in considering gender affirmation, but formalising it in law provides clear guidance for judges to follow.
However, Republican opposition has voiced concerns, asserting that this legislation could infringe upon parental rights and autonomy. Critics contend that it could lead to situations where parents are penalised for not conforming to a child's gender transition, which they view as government overreach.
Greg Price, who works as the communications director for the State Freedom Caucus Network, shared that the author of the bill, Lori Wilson, made a statement. Wilson's point was that parents typically support their children, especially when their gender identity aligns with their biological gender. However, if there's a mismatch between the two, this support tends to decrease. Wilson argued that as parents, it's our responsibility to support our children, regardless of their gender identity.
Elon Musk, an entrepreneur residing in California and the owner of the social media app X formerly known as Twitter, reacted to the bill. He expressed his concerns, saying that the bill is deceptive in nature. According to Musk, it implies that if parents have disagreements regarding medical procedures like sterilization for their child, they could risk losing custody. He strongly disagreed with this idea and labelled it as “utter madness.”
Public Square CEO Michael Seifert expressed strong disapproval of a decision made by California, calling it “legislated evil.” He also mentioned that he's happy he moved away from the state because he feels it has changed so much that it's no longer the place he used to call home.
Seth Dillon, the CEO of Babylon Bee, suggested that instead of the current bill, there should be a different approach. He proposed that when it comes to gender affirmation for children, the focus should be on parents who affirm their child's mistaken gender identity potentially losing custody.
The bill's author, Assemblywoman Lori D. Wilson, earlier emphasised that the legislation does not require judges to prioritise gender affirmation above other factors. She was quoted by news agency AP explaining that what affirmation entails can vary depending on the individual child and their age.
Gender affirmation, according to Wilson, could encompass allowing children to play with toys associated with their gender identity, painting their nails or choosing hairstyles that feel comfortable.
Importantly, the bill does not outline specific requirements for gender-affirming surgeries, a significant decision that remains under parental consent for minors in California.
California Governor Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, is expected to sign the bill into law, underscoring the state's dedication to boosting LGBTQ+ rights and youth protections. This legislation is part of a broader effort by California lawmakers to safeguard the well-being of LGBTQ+ children, including a recent Senate approval to keep gender change petition documents for minors out of the public record.
This new legislation, titled the Transgender, Gender-Diverse, and Intersex Youth Empowerment Act, seeks to prioritise the “health, safety and welfare” of children, placing a spotlight on affirming a child's gender identity. The bill, initially introduced by Democratic Assemblywoman Lori D. Wilson on February 24, underwent amendments in the Assembly on March 13 and further modifications in the Senate on June 5 before its final approval.
Under the proposed law, parents, who fail to acknowledge and support their child's gender transition, could face potential consequences, including the loss of custody rights to another parent or even the state itself. The bill's supporters argue that it is in the best interest of children, aiming to create a more inclusive and affirming environment for gender-diverse youth.
Democratic lawmakers, who championed the bill, contend that it is a necessary step to ensure the well-being of transgender and gender-diverse children. They argue that judges already possess discretion in considering gender affirmation, but formalising it in law provides clear guidance for judges to follow.
However, Republican opposition has voiced concerns, asserting that this legislation could infringe upon parental rights and autonomy. Critics contend that it could lead to situations where parents are penalised for not conforming to a child's gender transition, which they view as government overreach.
Greg Price, who works as the communications director for the State Freedom Caucus Network, shared that the author of the bill, Lori Wilson, made a statement. Wilson's point was that parents typically support their children, especially when their gender identity aligns with their biological gender. However, if there's a mismatch between the two, this support tends to decrease. Wilson argued that as parents, it's our responsibility to support our children, regardless of their gender identity.
BREAKING: The California Assembly just voted in favor of AB 957 which will require judges take into account whether a parent "affirms" a child's "gender identity or gender expression" in determining custody.
The Senate already approved it so it's heading to Gavin Newsom's desk.
— Greg Price (@greg_price11) September 8, 2023
Elon Musk, an entrepreneur residing in California and the owner of the social media app X formerly known as Twitter, reacted to the bill. He expressed his concerns, saying that the bill is deceptive in nature. According to Musk, it implies that if parents have disagreements regarding medical procedures like sterilization for their child, they could risk losing custody. He strongly disagreed with this idea and labelled it as “utter madness.”
Public Square CEO Michael Seifert expressed strong disapproval of a decision made by California, calling it “legislated evil.” He also mentioned that he's happy he moved away from the state because he feels it has changed so much that it's no longer the place he used to call home.
This is legislated evil.
California is determined to discover rock bottom.
I’m so glad we left that state, I don’t even recognize my former home anymore. https://t.co/JvIuw4QnoJ
— Michael Seifert (@realmichaelseif) September 8, 2023
Seth Dillon, the CEO of Babylon Bee, suggested that instead of the current bill, there should be a different approach. He proposed that when it comes to gender affirmation for children, the focus should be on parents who affirm their child's mistaken gender identity potentially losing custody.
The bill's author, Assemblywoman Lori D. Wilson, earlier emphasised that the legislation does not require judges to prioritise gender affirmation above other factors. She was quoted by news agency AP explaining that what affirmation entails can vary depending on the individual child and their age.
Gender affirmation, according to Wilson, could encompass allowing children to play with toys associated with their gender identity, painting their nails or choosing hairstyles that feel comfortable.
Importantly, the bill does not outline specific requirements for gender-affirming surgeries, a significant decision that remains under parental consent for minors in California.
California Governor Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, is expected to sign the bill into law, underscoring the state's dedication to boosting LGBTQ+ rights and youth protections. This legislation is part of a broader effort by California lawmakers to safeguard the well-being of LGBTQ+ children, including a recent Senate approval to keep gender change petition documents for minors out of the public record.
First Published: Sept 9, 2023 12:13 PM IST
Check out our in-depth Market Coverage, Business News & get real-time Stock Market Updates on CNBC-TV18. Also, Watch our channels CNBC-TV18, CNBC Awaaz and CNBC Bajar Live on-the-go!