California Gov. Gavin Newsom has vetoed a bill that would have required judges to consider a parent’s affirmation of a child’s gender identity in child custody cases..AB 957 was introduced by Democrat Assembly member Lori Wilson and co-authored by Democrat state Sen. Scott Wiener. An amended version was passed by the state assembly in March in a 51-13 vote. All votes in favour were Democrat and all votes opposed were Republican..The legislation would have added affirmation of a child’s gender identity to the criteria judges must consider when determining parental responsibility in custody cases..In a statement released Friday, Newsom said he would not sign the bill..“I appreciate the passion and values that led the author to introduce this bill. I share a deep commitment to advancing the rights of transgender Californians, an effort that has guided my decisions through many decades in public office," he said.."That said, I urge caution when the Executive and Legislative branches of state government attempt to dictate — in prescriptive terms that single out one characteristic — legal standards for the Judicial branch to apply. Other-minded elected officials, in California and other states, could very well use this strategy to diminish the civil rights of vulnerable communities.”.Newsom thought judges were made to think about gender identity issues enough already..“Moreover, a court, under existing law, is required to consider a child's health, safety, and welfare when determining the best interests of a child in these proceedings, including the parent's affirmation of the child's gender identity,” he wrote..Wilson expressed disappointment in the governor’s decision..“The governor and I disagree on the best way to protect (transgender, gender-diverse and intersex) kids,” she said in a statement. Wilson said 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’s mental health..Wiener criticized the governor’s veto in a Twitter ("X post), calling it a mistake and “a tragedy for trans kids.”.The bill had undergone several amendments since its introduction in February. .Detransitioner Chloe Cole had criticized the bill and accused Newsom of pushing “radical” policies. Cole has filed a lawsuit against various medical groups, alleging they performed a “mutilating, mimicry sex change experiment” on her when she was 13 years old..Elon Musk described the bill as “utter madness” and “a wolf in sheep’s clothing.”.Republican state Sen. Scott Wilk of Santa Clarita even called on parents to leave the state, warning that legislation such as AB 957 would not stop at divorce proceedings..“In recent years, we have put government bureaucrats between parents, children and doctors when it comes to medical care and now we have this, where if a parent does not support the ideology of the government, they’re going to be taken away from the home,” Wilk said..“In the past, when we’ve had these discussions, and I’ve seen parental rights atrophied, I’ve encouraged people to keep fighting. I’ve changed my mind on that."."If you love your children, you need to flee California. You need to flee.”
