California Governor Gavin Newsom Signs Bill To Offer Refuge For Out-Of-State Trans Youth
October 2, 2022In a massive win for trans rights, California introduced a new law offering legal refuge for young people fleeing conservative states.
From sports bans to bills banning lifesaving healthcare, conservative lawmakers have dedicated their time and resources to strip the rights of trans individuals. In response, Governor Newsom has introduced a law that effectively makes the liberal state a safe haven for trans youth, according to Gay Times.
Under the legislation, Senate Bill 107, families of trans youth refugees would be protected from out-of-state subpoenas if it “relates to efforts to criminalize individuals or remove children from their homes for having received gender-affirming care.”
The law will also label out-of-state criminal arrest warrant’s related to gender-affirming care as the “lowest priority for law enforcement in California.”
SB 107 will also give California courts the authority to make an initial child custody determination if the child is in the state for gender-affirming healthcare (per ABC News.)
“As so many states work to erase trans kids and criminalize their families, California must always have their backs,” Wiener, who first introduced the bill, said in a statement on his website. “With SB 107 signed into law, California is forcefully pushing back against the anti-LGBTQ hatred spreading across parts of our nation. The rainbow wave is real, and it’s coming. Thank you, Governor Newsom, for standing with our community.”
Governor Newsom echoed similar sentiments in his own written statement supporting the law. “In California, we believe in equality and acceptance. We believe that no one should be prosecuted or persecuted for getting the care they need – including gender-affirming care,” he explained. “Parents know what’s best for their kids, and they should be able to make decisions around the health of their children without fear. We must take a stand for parental choice. That is precisely why I am signing Senate Bill 107.”
California’s inclusive law was partially created to combat Republican officials like Texas Governor Greg Abbott. In February, the anti-trans politician introduced harmful directives ordering the state’s Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) to investigate parents of trans youth.
“Because the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) is responsible for protecting children from abuse, I hereby direct your agency to conduct a prompt and thorough investigation of any reported instances of these abusive procedures in the State of Texas,” he wrote.
Even though the anti-trans order is not legally binding, the DFPS has conducted numerous investigations – which has resulted in lawsuits from the families of trans youth, medical professionals and LGBTQ+ organisations.
California’s Senate Bill 107 will be in effect from January 1, 2023.
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