Staff Reports
Once again, California finds itself at the center of a controversial debate, this time involving parental rights and gender identity. Assembly Bill 957, brought forward by Assembly Member Lori Wilson and Senator Scott Wiener, has sparked outrage among critics who see it as an encroachment on parental rights. The bill instructs courts to consider a parent’s support or lack thereof for their child’s subjective view of their gender identity when making custody decisions. Essentially, if parents do not fully embrace and affirm their child’s gender identity, they risk losing custody of their own children.
Apparently this is what “following the science” looks like. https://t.co/nwQMrh9vO4
— Jenna Ellis (@JennaEllisEsq) September 11, 2023
This radical bill raises serious concerns about the potential for arbitrary decisions influenced by biased judges. With no clear definition of what constitutes “affirmation,” judges may be left to render decisions based on their personal beliefs rather than objective evidence. It is a dangerous path to allow the government to dictate how parents should raise their children, especially when it comes to deeply personal and sensitive issues like gender identity.
This is California State Rep. Lori Wilson, who wrote AB 957: "Parents affirm their children. Typically it happens when their gender identity matches their biological gender. But when it doesn't, the affirmation starts to wane… Our duty as parents is to affirm our children." pic.twitter.com/KP2Z9sksmp
— Greg Price (@greg_price11) September 8, 2023
One Republican lawmaker tried to bring scientific evidence into the discussion, but his microphone was abruptly cut off. Assemblymember James Gallagher was presenting a study that showed most young boys who questioned their gender identity eventually identified with their biological sex as they grew older. This censorship of opposing viewpoints is a clear sign of the left’s intolerance and unwillingness to engage in an honest debate.
Studies have shown that many children who express gender identity concerns ultimately desist and identify with their biological sex. This raises serious questions about the wisdom of rushing children into hormonal therapies and irreversible surgeries. The potential for long-term harm and regret cannot be ignored, yet proponents of this bill disregard these concerns in their pursuit of ideological conformity.
Healthcare providers, including transgender individuals, emphasize the importance of considering a range of factors when addressing a child’s gender identity. Mental health challenges and a history of abuse may contribute to a child’s confusion and should not be ignored in favor of a one-size-fits-all approach. It is clear that the issue of gender identity is complex and cannot be reduced to simple affirmations or transitions.
Rather than blindly embracing the idea that every child questioning their gender should be affirmed and encouraged to transition, we must take a more cautious and nuanced approach. European countries have recognized the need for individual assessments and have become more skeptical of hasty medicalization. It is time for California to follow suit and prioritize the well-being of children over political ideology.
If Assembly Bill 957 becomes law, it could open the door to charges of child abuse against parents who do not affirm their child’s subjective interpretation of their gender identity. This is a dangerous precedent that threatens the rights of parents to make decisions for their children based on their own values and beliefs. It is a clear infringement on parental rights and another example of the overreach of the California government.
It is essential to protect parental rights and the well-being of children when addressing issues as sensitive as gender identity. Assembly Bill 957 is a step in the wrong direction, prioritizing ideology over evidence and parental autonomy. California should reject this radical bill and instead focus on providing support and resources to families navigating these complex issues. The future of our children should not be dictated by politicians or judges, but by loving parents who have their best interests at heart.
