re concerned about the new state measure in California that requires judges to consider whether a parent has affirmed their child’s belief that they are transgender during custody battles. Nicole Pearson, a mother of three and a member of the “Protect Kids California” group, expressed her worries about the potential disastrous implications of this policy. She questioned what would happen if both parents were conservative and uncomfortable affirming their child’s gender identity, and whether this would result in the state finding both parents endangering or neglecting their child and removing custody from them. Pearson emphasized the importance of paying attention to these developments in California.
The California State Assembly passed AB 957, which deals a blow to parental rights advocates who disagree with their child’s decision to identify with a gender different from their biological sex. Jonathan Zachreson, a fellow activist from “Protect Kids California,” believes that what happens in California will not stay in California and that similar measures may be seen across the country in the future. Zachreson mentioned efforts and initiatives to protect children from harm and reproductive issues.
During an appearance on “Fox & Friends,” Zachreson and Erin Friday discussed proposed 2024 ballot initiatives aimed at protecting kids. These initiatives would prevent minors from undergoing gender-affirming procedures or puberty blockers, require schools to inform parents if their child adopts a different gender identity, and prohibit biological males from participating in women’s sports. Democratic California state Rep. Lori Wilson, who introduced the bill with state Sen. Scott Wiener, highlighted the long-standing practice of parents affirming their children, emphasizing that it is their duty to do so when their gender identity matches their biological gender.
However, Pearson strongly opposes this measure, calling it dangerous and unconstitutional. She worries that parents may feel pressured to disregard alternative options that could benefit their children with gender dysphoria. With over 9 million children in California, Pearson argues that AB 957 would impact every child of divorced parents who are going through custody battles.
Overall, the concerns raised by parents like Pearson and Zachreson highlight the need for careful consideration of the implications of the state measure in California.