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California Governor Gavin Newsom recently made the executive decision to veto a gender bill pushed by the state legislature, and he’s facing both praise and criticism for it. Bill AB 957 would’ve required judges to consider if a parent “affirms” their child’s “gender identity” when deciding custody cases and could have classified lack of gender affirmation as an act of child abuse.
This decision raises questions about the Governor’s political ambitions as speculation surrounding his presidential aspirations continues to rise.
????Wow????
Late on a Friday night, Gavin Newsom just vetoed AB 957, which would have required judges to remove custody of children from parents who don’t “affirm" a child's "gender identity or gender expression.” pic.twitter.com/fXfdYtBNS4
— Greg Price (@greg_price11) September 23, 2023
In a written statement issued, Governor Newsom clarified his reasons for vetoing the bill. He expressed appreciation for Assemblywoman Lori Wilson’s “passion and values” that led her to propose it but he also warned against allowing executive and legislative branches to dictate legal standards to be applied by the judicial branch.
He further noted that existing law already requires judges to consider a child’s health, safety, and welfare when determining custody outcomes – including taking into account parental affirmation of their child’s gender identity.
Wilson expressed disappointment with Newsom’s decision in her own statement. She argued her intent with this bill was to give transgender, gender-diverse, and intersex children a voice – particularly in family court proceedings where non-affirming parents can have negative impacts on their mental wellbeing.
And despite this setback she promised that she was far from done fighting for them and their brighter future.
Opponents meanwhile praised Newsom for standing up against what they saw as government intrusion into family matters which threatened parental rights while potentially offering no benefit to children affected by this issue.
They lauded him particularly for his refusal to bow down before left-wing pressure from within his own party while also supporting LGBTQ+ rights more generally through decades in public office.
It remains unclear however, how it will factor into any potential presidential run he may make given that it appeals both sides depending upon how it is framed.
