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<\/source><\/picture>California Gov. Gavin Newsom has vetoed a bill that would have required judges to consider a parent\u2019s affirmation of a child\u2019s gender identity in child custody cases.<\/p>\n
The bill, known as AB 957, was introduced by Democrat Assemblywoman Lori Wilson and co-authored by Democrat state Sen. Scott Wiener. It was passed by the State Assembly earlier this month but faced a roadblock when Newsom decided not to sign it into law.<\/p>\n
The legislation sought to add the affirmation of a child\u2019s gender identity to the criteria that judges must consider when determining parental responsibility in custody cases.<\/p>\n
In a statement<\/a> released Friday night, Newsom expressed his reservations about the bill. He said he appreciates the \u201cpassion and values\u201d that led to the bill\u2019s introduction but urged caution.<\/p>\n \u201cOther-minded elected officials, in California and other states, could very well use this strategy to diminish the civil rights of vulnerable communities,\u201d Newsom said, noting that existing laws already require courts to consider a child\u2019s health, safety and welfare, including the parent\u2019s affirmation of the child\u2019s gender identity.<\/p>\n Wilson, who has been an advocate for trans rights, expressed disappointment in the governor\u2019s decision.<\/p>\n \u201cHowever, on this point, the Governor and I disagree on the best way to protect [transgender, gender-diverse and intersex] kids,\u201d she said in a statement, adding that her intent was to give a voice to trans-identified children, particularly in the family court system where she claims a non-affirming parent could negatively impact a child\u2019s mental health.<\/p>\n Wiener also criticized the governor\u2019s veto. Writing on X, formerly known as Twitter, that it was \u201ca tragedy for trans kids\u201d and labeled it a mistake. He argued that the bill would have ensured that courts take into account a child\u2019s chosen gender identity and whether parents would be supportive.<\/p>\n The bill had undergone several amendments since its introduction in February.\u00a0<\/p>\n Detransitioner Chloe Cole had criticized the bill and accused Newsom of pushing \u201cradical\u201d policies. Cole has filed a lawsuit against various medical groups, alleging they performed a \u201cmutilating, mimicry sex change experiment\u201d on her when she was 13 years old.<\/p>\n Elon Musk, the owner of X, had also weighed in on the bill. He described it as \u201ca wolf in sheep\u2019s clothing\u201d and called it \u201cutter madness.\u201d<\/p>\n As\u00a0The Christian Post<\/a>\u00a0previously reported, when the amended California bill passed the Assembly in March with a\u00a051-13 vote<\/a>, all votes in favor of it came from Democrats, and all votes against it came from Republicans.<\/p>\n