California Assembly approves bill including gender acceptance in child custody determinations.

The California Assembly Passes Bill⁢ to Include Gender Identity Acceptance ⁣in Child Custody Determinations

The California Assembly has taken a significant step towards promoting gender ⁣identity acceptance in child custody cases. ‌Assembly Bill 957, which ‌recently passed with a vote of 57 to 16, is now awaiting Governor Gavin Newsom’s signature. If signed into law, this bill would require judges to consider ⁢a parent’s opinion ⁤regarding their child’s gender identity when making custody decisions.

Recognizing the Importance of ​Gender ‌Identity

Under current California law, the court must consider various factors, including ⁤the health, safety,​ and welfare of the child, when determining custody arrangements. A.B. 957 seeks to expand these considerations by including a parent’s affirmation of their ⁤child’s gender identity as part of the child’s overall well-being.

The bill, officially known as the Transgender, Gender-Diverse, ‌and Intersex Youth Empowerment Act, was introduced⁢ by Democratic‌ Assemblywoman Lori D. Wilson. It underwent amendments in ⁢both the Assembly and the Senate before being ​passed by the Assembly once ⁣again. Wilson clarified that while the bill’s title references transgender, gender-diverse, and intersex youth, the actual text⁤ focuses on a child’s gender identity and expression, as well as the parent’s affirmation of it.

Promoting Family Acceptance and Mental Well-being

Assemblywoman Wilson, who is ‍the mother of a transgender son, emphasized the importance of​ family acceptance in supporting LGBTQ+‌ youth. Research shows that ‍family acceptance plays ⁢a crucial role in combating depression and substance abuse among LGBTQ+ ‌individuals. By including⁢ gender identity⁣ acceptance in child custody ‍determinations, the bill aims to ‍provide well-rounded ‌social support for these youth,‌ contributing to their positive ​mental development, physical health, ⁤and overall well-being.

Wilson expressed her commitment to ⁤working⁣ with​ Governor Newsom to secure his signature and ensure the protection of California’s youth.

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