Staff Reports
Governor Gavin Newsom of California has sent shockwaves through the state’s far-left legislature by vetoing a controversial gender bill. The bill, known as AB 957, would have required judges to consider whether a parent “affirms” their child’s “gender identity” when making custody decisions. However, an amendment added in June went even further, labeling the lack of gender affirmation as child abuse that could result in parents losing custody of their children.
In a statement, Newsom acknowledged the passion behind the bill, but expressed concern about the executive and legislative branches attempting to dictate legal standards for the judicial branch. He argued that this could potentially undermine the civil rights of vulnerable communities and cautioned against singling out one characteristic for prescriptive terms in the law. Newsom also pointed out that existing law already requires courts to consider a child’s health, safety, and welfare when determining custody, including the parent’s affirmation of the child’s gender identity.
Naturally, the far-left co-authors of the bill, Assemblywoman Lori Wilson and Senator Scott Wiener, were disappointed by Newsom’s veto. Wilson, who believes the bill would have given transgender and gender-diverse children a voice in family court, expressed her disappointment, vowing to continue the fight for what she sees as a brighter and safer future for all trans kids.
Of course, this veto by Governor Newsom has fueled speculation about his own presidential ambitions. Critics suggest that he may be positioning himself as a moderate in anticipation of a potential run for the highest office in the land. With the Democratic Party moving further to the left, it’s no surprise that Newsom’s refusal to support such a radical bill has raised eyebrows among conservatives, who view his veto as a glimmer of hope for common sense governance.
?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
While Newsom is known for championing LGBTQ+ rights, even before it was trendy to do so, his decision to veto AB 957 shows a willingness to push back against the extreme left-wing agenda that has taken hold in California. It takes strength to stand up against the prevailing narrative and consider the potential consequences of legislation that goes too far in infringing upon individual liberties.
In the end, regardless of Newsom’s motivations, his veto sends a message to the country that there are still voices of reason within the Democratic Party. Let’s hope that more politicians will follow Newsom’s lead in rejecting radical measures that have the potential to undermine our rights and freedoms.
