California Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, vetoed a bill late Friday night that would have required judges in child custody cases to consider whether a parent has affirmed their child’s gender identity.
AB 957 originally proposed that courts deciding custody cases must consider whether each parent affirmed the child’s gender identity. An amendment in June added a parent’s affirmation of their child’s gender identity to the state’s standard of what constitutes parental responsibility in a court of law for providing for “the health, safety, and welfare of the child.”
The bill was passed earlier this month by the state assembly, and was sent to the governor’s desk for his signature. But Newsom said in a statement released Friday night that he cannot sign the legislation.
The governor said he appreciates the “passion and values” that led Democrat Assemblywoman Lori Wilson to introduce the bill and 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 wrote. “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.
When parents divorce and cannot agree on child custody, judges will determine custody based on a variety of factors.
Under AB 957, gender affirmation would have been one of the several factors for judges to consider in custody cases. Wilson, who coauthored the bill along with Democrat state Sen. Scott Wiener, has said the bill would not have required parents to move forward with gender transition medical treatment.
“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 in a statement after the governor’s veto on Friday. “However, on this point, the Governor and I disagree on the best way to protect [Transgender, Gender-Diverse and Intersex] kids.”
From Fox News
California is in a mess.
Somebody’s considering running for POTUS I see….
asdf: He can run but he can’t hide.
This is like Obama saying he opposed legal recognition of gay marriage while he was running for president. Everyone knew he was lying. The gays knew he was lying. This is Newsom lying to position himself for election. Everyone knows it.
Reply to like Obama: Gruesome Newsom will have to come clean once he’s in the race for the Democratic nomination.
Newsom knows his optics. He may be filled to the brim with evil ways and intentions, but he’s certainly not going to be totally stupid about his presidential run.
I agree with his decision to veto the law.
I agree with Hitler’s decision to build the autobahn.
I agree with your decision to comment expressing your agreement with his decision to veto the law.
Won’t he be honest enough to admit he’s running for president?
Do Jesuit values taught at Santa Clara U. not include honesty?
Why else take out ads in red and swing states like Florida and Texas?
And, why change your mind on the PG&E’s San Onofre nuclear power plant, which he was previously shutting down?
Because one can’t run for president and tout a great job as a. governor when the power keeps going out.
From The Hill:
In September, he paid for billboards in conservative states including Texas, Mississippi, Oklahoma and Indiana to highlight the point that abortion is still legal in his state. “He’s perceived as strong and he’s done well keeping his name in the press. Keeping your name out there is half the battle.”
Minor correction – San Onofre, owned by Southern California Edison and SDG&E, has been shut down for several years due to regulatory and cost issues, all of which could have been solved. PG&E’s nuclear generating station is Diablo Canyon.
His statement is a wink, not a blink.
Whoever winks his eyes plans dishonest things; he who purses his lips brings evil to pass.
How does his explanation help him run for President?
He is saying “If we do that, they can do it too.”
Other states could make the opposite law where custody is not given to the parent who will transition a child or support a gay kid.
The existing laws are enough to protect the welfare of kids.
This is not a make or break issue for voters anywhere.
Newsom should appoint himself senator now that Feinstein has died.
I read an interesting speculation: Kamala Harris will resign as VP and Newsom will appoint her as Senator. Then Newsom will be selected by Biden to be the new VP, and Newsom will run for president in 2024 as the current VP.