Newsom received conservative praise for vetoing a bill that would require courts to consider gender affirmation in custody battles.
California Governor Gavin Newsom received rare support from conservatives after he vetoed a bill that would require state courts to consider affirmation of a child’s gender identity in custody battles.
Newsom, a Democrat, this week rejected the bill that would have required judges to consider whether parents affirm their child’s gender identity when making decisions about custody and visitation proceedings. The bill comes as transgender rights remain a contentious issue between Democrats, who tend to support expanding rights for members of the LGBTQ+ community, and Republicans, who are often against expanding transgender rights.
The governor explained his veto in a letter to California’s state assembly, noting that he appreciates « the passion and values that led the author to introduce this bill » and that he shares « a deep commitment to advancing the rights of transgender Californians. »
« That said, I urge caution when the Executive and Legislative branches of state
government attempt to dictate—in prescriptive terms that single out one
characteristic—legal standards for the Judicial branch to apply. Other-minded
elected officials, in California and other states, could very well use this strategy
to diminish the civil rights of vulnerable communities, » he wrote, adding that courts already may consider gender identity when making these decisions.
