A highly contested California law that limits parents' ability to know if their child identifies as a different gender has sparked outrage and legal challenges. The bill's supporters argue it protects transgender students from being "outed," while critics say it usurps parental rights and hinders their ability to provide support.
The first-of-its-kind legislation, signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom, prohibits schools from notifying parents if their child uses pronouns or a gender identity opposite to their biological sex. AB1955 also prevents school districts from discriminating against employees who affirm a student's gender identity and requires the development of LGBTQ+ support resources.
California Embattled Over Parental Rights Amid Investigation and Lawsuits
The law has been met with vehement opposition from parents and politicians, who argue that it undermines their fundamental right to guide their children's upbringing and health care. Some school districts have enacted their own parental notification policies, leading to lawsuits from the state Attorney General, Rob Bonta.
Chino Valley Unified School District in Southern California became the first district to sue Newsom's administration over the law, claiming it violates parental rights under the U.S. Constitution. The district's policy required staff to "out" transgender students, prompting Bonta to launch a civil rights investigation.
California Embattled Over Parental Rights Amid Investigation and Lawsuits
Supporters of the law, such as California Assemblyman Al Muratsuchi, cite studies suggesting that transgender students who are "outed" without their consent face increased risks of violence. However, opponents point to the absence of evidence supporting these claims and argue that they are being used to justify the infringement of parental rights.
Vincent Wagner, senior counsel with the Center for Parental Rights, emphasized that the Constitution guarantees parents the right to direct their children's upbringing and education. He argued that AB1955 interferes with this right by preventing schools from sharing information with parents about their children's gender identity.
California Embattled Over Parental Rights Amid Investigation and Lawsuits
Erin Friday, co-lead at Our Duty, a group that helps parents protect their children from "trans ideology," believes the law creates a culture of secrecy in California schools, hindering early intervention and mental health care for children struggling with gender dysphoria.
She fears that the law will lead to more cases of child harm and detransitioning, as parents are unable to provide timely support. Friday expects similar laws to be passed in other blue states, where policies to lie to parents are already in place.
California Embattled Over Parental Rights Amid Investigation and Lawsuits
Gavin Newsom's administration defends the new law, arguing that it preserves the child-parent relationship and protects children's privacy. Newsom spokesperson Brandon Richards stated that the law prevents politicians and school staff from interfering in family matters and ensures that parents continue to have access to their children's educational records.
Wagner warns that AB1955 is part of a broader trend of schools seeking to cut parents out of their children's lives, a trend that raises concerns about parental rights and the well-being of children.
California Embattled Over Parental Rights Amid Investigation and Lawsuits
