Bill for Parental Custody Cases Considering Trans Kids’ Safety Vetoed

The bill that would have made judges consider the gender identity of children in custody cases was vetoed by Governor Gavin Newsom on September 22 This is disappointing, as well as a massive break from Newsom’s usual stance on trans rights.

Despite being an ally to the LGBTQ+ community with a lot of good takes, this choice on Newsom’s part did not exactly have the lives of trans children in mind. Speculation has stated that the bill could have been used to discriminate against parents who follow traditional gender roles, but the bill was never about the parents. The bill was meant for the safety of the children. Newsom also mentioned that “safety and welfare” in custody cases already includes the rights of trans children. As nice as that sounds in concept, the consideration of trans children is often nonexistent in custody cases such as these.

On his decision, Newsom states, “Other-minded elected officials, in California and other states could very well use this strategy to diminish the civil rights of vulnerable communities.”

Although this note does display some level of care for the discrimination that LGBTQ+ individuals face, it also feels a lot like an excuse simply made to make the public feel less upset about this decision. Although imperfect, the law can be written in a way to make it very difficult to follow through on loopholes. Laws and bills can always be amended.

Assemblywoman Lori Wilson made a statement in response to this veto on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, “I am extremely disappointed. I know the Governor’s record. He (has) been a champion for the LGBTQ+ community for years and even before it was popular to do so. However, on this point, the Governor and I disagree on the best way to protect TGI kids.”