California parents protest gender theory bills as lawmakers return from recess.
Parents Rally Against Gender-Affirming Bills at California Capitol
A passionate group of parents-rights activists staged a powerful demonstration outside the California Capitol in Sacramento on Monday. Their mission? To condemn the introduction of so-called gender-affirming bills and advocate for parental notification regarding student gender policies.
Local media outlets reported that the group of parents gathered on the Capitol lawn to voice their strong opposition against several new radical gender theory-related laws expected to gain momentum in the coming weeks. These laws include measures that undermine parental authority, require state-controlled curriculum, and target local school boards.
The rally was headlined by Sonja Shaw, the president of the parents-rights activist group. In an interview with Fox News, Shaw expressed their determination to fight against these “bad bills” and emphasized their unwavering commitment to the cause. “We have no desire to stop. We’re linking arms. This has always been us,” she declared.
The Sacramento Bee reported that the group specifically spoke out against laws like AB 1078, which grants state authorities more control over school boards that ban certain books, and AB 5, which mandates the distribution of revised educational materials that are inclusive of culturally and racially diverse groups, including LGBTQ+ communities.
Joining Shaw on stage was Republican Assembly-member Bill Essayli, a keynote speaker at the rally. Essayli has been a staunch advocate for AB 1314, a legislation that would require schools to notify parents if their child uses different pronouns or undergoes a change in identity. Although the bill did not pass, Essayli remains determined to achieve their legislative priorities. “We will accomplish our goals either through here or through the people directly,” he asserted.
Essayli drew inspiration for the bill from the Chino Valley Unified School District, which implemented a policy mandating schools to inform parents about any changes in their child’s gender identity. This policy has since influenced another California school district to adopt a similar approach, leading to a civil rights investigation by California Attorney General Rob Bonta over potential legal violations.
Expressing his concern for the safety and well-being of LGBTQ+ students, Bonta stated, “Students should never fear going to school for simply being who they are.” However, Shaw, who has become a local advocate for parental rights, criticized Bonta’s assumption that parents are dangerous. She believes that pushing parents out of the equation is a dangerous direction for the state to take.
Meanwhile, Governor Gavin Newsom attended an education event at an Elk Grove school, approximately 20 miles south of the Capitol. When asked about the state investigation into the local school district, Newsom declined to state his position but expressed his support for the LGBTQ+ community. He mentioned that the LGBTQ caucus is working on language related to the policies, emphasizing that they are a “work in progress.”
Newsom also reportedly held a meeting with lawmakers on Monday night to discuss developing a response to school board districts that have implemented policies requiring transparency between parents and teachers regarding gender-related ideology.
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