A proposed amendment to a California bill would classify parents who refuse to affirm their child’s gender as abusive and could result in custody being revoked.
AB957, proposed by Assembly Democrat Lori Wilson and State Senator Scott Wiener, amends the state Family code which deals with “the health, safety and well-being of the child” in every home.
If passed, the law could see children removed from their parents’ homes if their family members hold anti-LGBTQ+ ideals.
Rep. Wilson – who has a transgender son – told a recent meeting that she believed parents supporting their child’s gender were in the child’s ‘best interests’.
“We should affirm our children in every way possible,” she said of the proposed last-minute addition to the Family Code Bill.
Proposed amendment to California bill would classify parents who refuse to affirm their child’s gender as abusive and could result in custody being revoked
AB957 was proposed by Democratic Assemblywoman Lori Wilson (left) and state Senator Scott Wiener (right) and changes the state’s family code
The bill originally passed the California Assembly on May 3, but was amended on June 6 by State Senator Wiener. It will be necessary to come back with the revisions.
As part of the revision of the Family Code, the courts would have full power to remove children from their homes if their parents do not affirm their sex.
The change would also mean that schools, churches and other organizations would have to affirm a child’s gender identity or face repercussions.
Indeed, the revisions would change the definition of what is considered to have an impact on “the health, safety and welfare of [a] child.’
Individuals and organizations that deny or fail to recognize a child’s gender identity could potentially face abuse charges, however, a spokesperson for Rep. Wilson’s office said the bill applies only to family law and not to criminal law.
The revisions have already been criticized by those who say the state should not intervene in private residences to monitor each child’s gender and their parents’ response.
Nicole Peterson, founder of Facts Law Truth Justice, told the Daily signal that the law is “horrifying” and inconvenient for parents around the world.
‘If a parent or guardian is unwilling or simply unwilling to assert their 7-year-old’s new identity – as they transition from Spongebob to Batman to Dora the Explorer – they can be found guilty of child abuse under AB-957 if it becomes law,” she said.
Rep. Wilson – who has a transgender son – told a recent meeting she believed parents supporting their child’s gender were in the child’s ‘best interests’
“This is a horrible bill for children, as well as parents and guardians, not just in California, but across the country,” Peterson continued.
She went on to mention that if California Governor Gavin Newsom ran for president in 2028, she believes he would bring this law to all states.
San Francisco attorney Erin Friday told the Free Washington Beacon said she believes revisions to AB957 could escalate into more boundary-pushing laws.
“It’s not a giant leap, it’s a very small step to get there,” he said Friday.
“We know exactly where they are going with this. I didn’t think the bill would get any worse, but it got worse,’ she continued, saying she was worried
The language of the revisions is ambiguous and does not go into the details of how the law would be applied and in what situations.
It also does not mention the age range of children this might fall on or distinguish between “affirming” and “gender changing”.
The law would require judges to consider parents’ denial or non-affirmation of their child’s sex as paramount to physical abuse or neglect.
The revised AB957 comes as Wiener also proposes a bill that would require foster parents to “affirm” the identity of children who identify as transgender.
Wiener has already made headlines for sponsoring a bill that would allow children to come from out of state to get sex reassignment procedures in California.
The revised AB957 comes as Wiener (pictured center) also introduces a bill that would require adoptive parents to ‘affirm’ the identity of children who identify as transgender
“We believe no one should be prosecuted or persecuted for receiving the care they need, including gender-affirming care,” Governor Gavin Newsom said in 2022.
The 2022 bill received support from Governor Newsom who applauded California’s dedication to “equality and acceptance.”
“We believe no one should be prosecuted or persecuted 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 must take a stand for parental choice,” he continued in a statement.
Newsom did not comment on the new Family Code revisions.
AB957 will have a hearing in the State Senate on June 13.
