California bill allowing 12-year-olds to consent to counseling and residential services sent to governor.
California Lawmakers Pass Controversial Bill Allowing Children to Consent to Mental Health Counseling
California lawmakers have recently passed a legislative bill that has sparked outrage among parental rights groups. Assembly Bill 665, also known as AB 665, has been dubbed by some as “state-sanctioned kidnapping.” This bill would grant children as young as 12 the ability to consent to mental health counseling and placement in a group home without their parents’ knowledge or consent.
The bill received a 31-8 vote in favor from state senators on September 6, followed by a 60-16 vote from the Assembly the next day. It has now been sent to California Governor Gavin Newsom’s desk, where he will decide whether to sign it into law or veto it by October 14.
Related Stories
Opponents of AB 665, such as Jennifer Kennedy, an attorney and spokeswoman for parental rights group Our Duty, argue that this bill is an attempt by Democratic lawmakers in California to undermine parental authority and take control of children before they even reach their teenage years. Kennedy states, “This is the wholesale emancipation of children. The state is saying your job is over when your child hits age 12.”
AB 665 is just one of several legislative bills introduced by Democrats in California that parental rights groups believe aim to undermine parental rights, break apart families, and promote ”gender-affirming” medical interventions.
According to Kennedy, these bills are a direct threat to children and families, as they grant 12-year-olds the ability to seal their medical records, obtain abortions, and receive vaccines without parental consent. She warns that group homes, where these children may be placed, are often unregulated and can expose them to predators and sex traffickers.
The bill, introduced by Assemblywoman Wendy Carrillo (D-Los Angeles), would remove certain requirements in current law that state a minor must be in danger of serious harm or abuse before they can consent to mental health treatment or counseling without parental permission. It would also expand the qualifications of those who can provide treatment or counseling to these children.
Proponents of the bill argue that it aims to address the issue of low-income youth being excluded from mental health coverage under MediCal, which they consider discriminatory. However, opponents argue that the guardrails in current law could have been adjusted without completely eliminating them.
Supporters of the legislation claim that it is about equity, particularly for LGBT youth who face a higher risk of suicide and abuse from unsupportive parents. However, critics accuse parental rights advocates of spreading misinformation and creating false moral panic.
Despite the arguments from both sides, the fate of AB 665 now rests in the hands of Governor Gavin Newsom.
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Now loading...