Gavin Newsom California Gavin Newsom signed several bills on Saturday aimed at strengthening the state’s protections for LGBTQ+ people, a day after issuing a controversial veto criticized by advocates.
The new law includes legislation focusing on support for LGBTQ+ youth. One law sets a timeline for required cultural competency training for public school teachers and staff, while another creates an advisory task force to determine the needs of LGBTQ+ students and help advance support initiatives. A third required families to demonstrate that they are able and willing to meet the needs of children in foster care regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
“California is proud to have some of the strongest laws in the country when it comes to protecting and supporting our LGBTQ+ community, and we are committed to our continued work to create safer and more inclusive spaces for all Californians,” Newsom said in a statement. “These measures will help protect vulnerable youth, promote acceptance, and create a more supportive environment in our schools and communities.”
The governor also signed legislation requiring schools serving first through 12th grades to have at least one gender-neutral bathroom for students by 2026.
Participants take part in the annual LA Pride Parade in West Hollywood, Calif.AP
The law was prompted by a Southern California school district that implemented a policy requiring schools to notify parents when their children change their pronouns or use a gender bathroom other than the one listed on their official paperwork.
A judge halted the policy after California Attorney General Rob Bonta sued the Chino Valley Unified School District. The claim is ongoing.
The governor’s bill signing comes after Newsom vetoed a bill on Friday that would have required judges to consider whether parents confirm their child’s gender identity when making custody and visitation decisions.
State Assemblywoman Lori Wilson, a Democrat who introduced the bill and has an adult son who came out as transgender as a teenager, was among the LGBTQ+ advocates who criticized the governor’s decision.
“I’ve been disappointed over the last few years when I’ve seen the growing hatred and heard bad words against the trans community. My intention with this bill is to give them a voice, especially in the family court system where non-custodial parents can have a detrimental effect on the mental health and well-being of children,” Wilson said in a statement.
Newsom said existing law already requires courts to consider health, safety and welfare when determining a child’s best interests in custody cases, including parental confirmation of the child’s gender identity.
The veto comes amid fierce political battles across the country over transgender rights, including efforts to impose a ban on gender-affirming care, ban trans athletes from female and women’s sports, and require schools to notify parents if their child requests to use different pronouns or change. their gender identity.
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Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
