After Vetoing Bill Protecting Trans Kids, Gavin Newsom Signs 9 LGBTQ+ Rights Bills

In a matter of days, California governor Gavin Newsom signed nine LGBTQ+ rights bills into law while also vetoing a bill that would have established strong protections for transgender children in custody and visitation decisions.

The vetoed legislation, which Newsom rejected on Friday, would have required judges to weigh parents’ acceptance of their trans children in custody and visitation decisions. The bill was introduced in March by state assembly member Lori Wilson, who was the first known parent of a trans person in the California state legislature, according to Spectrum News. The bill, known as AB 957, received overwhelming support from both the Senate and the Assembly, with 30 to 9 votes in the Senate and 61 to 16 votes in the Assembly.

In a statement, Newsom said that while he appreciated “the passion and values that led the author to introduce this bill,” he did not want the legislation to “single out one characteristic” for judges to apply, and noted that existing law already requires family courts to consider a child’s health, safety, and welfare.

Wilson said she was “extremely disappointed” in Newsom’s decision.

“I’ve been disheartened over the last few years as I watched the rising hate and heard the vitriol towards the trans community,” the lawmaker said in a statement. “My intent with this bill was to give them a voice, particularly in the family court system where a non-affirming parent could have a detrimental impact on the mental health and well-being of a child. Whether the roadblock comes from the opposition or even a supporter, it only hardens my resolve.”