Proposed California bill would label parents ‘abusive’ if they refuse to confirm their child’s sex
A proposed amendment to a California bill would classify parents who refuse to confirm their child’s sex as abusive and could lead to the revocation of custody.
AB957 proposed by Democratic Assembly member Lori Wilson and Senator Scott Wiener amends state Family code addressing the ‘health, safety and well-being of the child’ in every household.
If the law is passed, children could be removed from their parents’ homes if their family members hold anti-LGBTQ+ ideals.
Rep. Wilson – who has a transgender son – said at a recent meeting that she believes parents supporting their child’s gender is in the child’s “best interests”.
“We should affirm our children by every means necessary,” she said of the proposed last-minute addition to the Family Code law.
A proposed amendment to a California bill would classify parents who refuse to confirm their child’s gender as abusive and could lead to custody revocation
AB957 was proposed by Democratic Assembly member Lori Wilson (left) and Senator Scott Wiener (right) and amends the state’s family code
The bill originally passed in the California Assembly on May 3, but was amended on June 6 by Senator Wiener. It will have to pass again with the revisions.
Under the revision of the family code, courts would have full powers to remove children from their homes if their parents do not confirm their gender.
The change would also require schools, churches and other organizations to confirm a child’s gender identity or face repercussions.
This is because the revisions would change the definition of what is considered to affect the ‘health, safety and wellbeing of’ [a] child.’
Individuals and organizations that refuse or fail to recognize a child’s gender identity could potentially face charges of abuse, a spokesman for Rep.’s office said. Wilson. said the bill applies only to family law and not to criminal law.
The revisions have already been criticized by those who believe the state should not be allowed to enter private homes to check the gender of each child and their parents’ response.
Nicole Peterson, founder of Facts Law Truth Justice, told the Daily signal that the law is “gruesome” and inconvenient for parents everywhere.
If a parent or guardian is unwilling or simply not ready to confirm their 7-year-old’s new identity – as they transition from Spongebob to Batman to Dora the Explorer – they could be found guilty of child molestation under AB-957 if it succeeds. in law,’ she said.
Rep. Wilson – who has a transgender son – said at a recent rally that she believes parents supporting their child’s gender is in the child’s ‘best interest’
“This is a horrific law for children and for parents and guardians, not just in California, but across the country,” Peterson continued.
She went on to say that if California Governor Gavin Newsom runs in the 2028 presidential election, she believes he will bring this law to every state.
San Francisco attorney Erin Friday said so Washington free beacon said she believes the AB957 revisions could escalate into more groundbreaking laws.
“It’s not a big leap, it’s a small step to get there,” Friday said.
“We know exactly where they’re going with it. I didn’t think the bill could get any worse, but it got worse,” she continued, saying she was concerned
The language of the revisions is ambiguous and does not go into the details of how the law would be enforced and in what situations.
It also does not state the age range for children this could fall into or differentiate between ‘confirm’ and ‘gender reassignment’.
The law would ask judges to consider parental rejection or non-confirmation of their child’s gender paramount in cases of physical abuse or neglect.
The revised AB957 comes as Wiener is also introducing a bill that would require foster parents to “confirm” the identity of children who identify as transgender.
Wiener previously made headlines for sponsoring a bill that would allow children to come from out of state to obtain sex reassignment procedures in California.
The revised AB957 comes as Wiener (pictured center) is also introducing a bill that would require foster parents to “confirm” the identity of children who identify as transgender
“We believe that no one should be prosecuted or prosecuted for getting the care they need — including gender-affirming care,” Governor Gavin Newsom said in 2022
The 2022 bill received support from Governor Newsom, who hailed California’s commitment to “equality and acceptance.”
“We believe that no one should be prosecuted or prosecuted for getting the care they need — including gender-affirming care,” Newsom said in 2022.
“Parents know what is best for their children, and they should be able to make decisions about their children’s health without fear. We need to take a stand for parental choice,” he continued in a statement.
Newsom has not commented on the new Family Code revisions.
AB957 will have a hearing in the Senate on June 13.