Speculation surrounding the presidential ambitions of California Governor Gavin Newsom have reached a fever pitch after he opted to veto a gender bill advanced by the state’s far-left legislature.
AB 957 would have required judges to consider whether a parent “affirms” their child’s “gender identity” when deciding custody cases. An amendment added in June would have classified the lack of gender affirmation as an act of child abuse that could have led to parents losing custody of their children.
The bill was passed earlier this month by the state legislature and was then sent to the governor’s desk for his signature. Newsom stated that he could not sign the bill in a statement Friday, however.
The governor stated that he appreciates the “passion and values” that led Democrat Assemblywoman Lori Wilson to propose the bill, adding that he shares a “deep commitment to advancing the rights of transgender Californians, an effort that has guided my decisions through many decades in public office.”
“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,” Newsom continued in his written statement. “Other-minded elected officials, in California and other states, could very well use this strategy to diminish the civil rights of vulnerable communities.”
“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 added.
Wilson, who co-authored the bill alongside far-left state Senator Scott Wiener, expressed disappointment with Newsom’s veto in a statement of her own. “I am extremely disappointed. I know the Governor’s record. He’s been a champion for the LGBTQ+ community for years and even before it was popular to do so,” Wilson said. “However, on this point, the Governor and I disagree on the best way to protect [Transgender, Gender-Diverse and Intersex] kids.”
“My intent with this bill was to give them a voice, particularly in the family court system where a non-affirming parent could have a detrimental impact on the mental health and well-being of a child,” she said. “Whether the roadblock comes from the opposition or even a supporter, it only hardens my resolve. I’m far from done, this fight is personal! Not just for my family, but to all the trans kids that deserve a brighter and safer future.”
đ¨Wowđ¨
Late on a Friday night, Gavin Newsom just vetoed AB 957, which would have required judges to remove custody of children from parents who donât âaffirm" a child's "gender identity or gender expression.â pic.twitter.com/fXfdYtBNS4
— Greg Price (@greg_price11) September 23, 2023