Gov. Gavin Newsom Sued Over California’s New Gender-Identity Law

(RepublicanReport.org) – On July 15, California Governor Gavin Newsom (D) signed a bill into law, making it illegal for schools to institute policies that force teachers to out children to their parents. The law, dubbed the SAFETY Act, reads that the state wants to support CA children to come out to their parents “on their own terms.” Those who opposed the bill said it “defied parents’ constitutional and God-given right to raise their children.”

On July 16, the Chino Valley Unified School District and a group of parents sued Newsom, CA Attorney General Robert Bonta, and CA State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond over the new law, echoing similar sentment from opponents that it is unconstitutional. The suit, filed in the US District Court for the Eastern District of California, cited the First Amendment and Fourteenth Amendment as reasons for the legal move.

A statement from the plaintiff’s attorney, Emily Rae, said parents have a “right to know what their minor children are doing at school.” She said those at the school have no right to “keep secret from parents.” While Newsom didn’t publicly comment on the lawsuit, his spokesperson stated on the day the governor signed the measure that it will keep kids safe and protect the “critical role of parents.” The spokesperson, Brandon Richards, said it stops “politicians and school staff from inappropriately intervening in family matters.”

However, California Family Council President Jonathan Keller said the new law actually puts kids in “potential jeopardy” and undermines Calfornia parent’s role in their children’s lives. At least six other states require schools to notify minors’ LGBTQ+ status if they say they are transgender or ask for a different pronoun.

The SAFETY Act does include exceptions to the disclosure to parents — consent by the student — and requires the California Department of Education to provide support to the families of LGBTQ+ students starting in 7th grade through graduation. The law, if allowed to go forward, will take effect in January 2025.

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