On Sept. 29, California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a bill into law that aims to protect transgender youths and their families from bans against gender-affirming care, the Los Angeles Times reported.
Senate Bill 107, by state Sen. Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco), provides for a range of safeguards meant to block out-of-state attempts to penalize families who come to California seeking medical treatment for transgender children and teens or move to the state to avoid consequences for already seeking that treatment elsewhere.
Among other things, the new law bars California courts and attorneys from enforcing subpoenas requested by other states about gender-affirming care for minors, and healthcare providers from releasing medical information.
In addition, Newsom signed several Equality California-sponsored bills, according to an organizational press release. They include SB 923, by WienerGender-affirming care; AB 1041, by Assemblymember Buffy Wicks (D-Oakland)Leave for Chosen Families; AB 2417, by Assemblymember Philip Ting (D-San Francisco)Juveniles: Youth Bill of Rights; and SB 1194, by state Sen. Ben Allen (D-Santa Monica)All Gender Public restrooms.
"While small, hateful men like Greg Abbott and Ron DeSantis attack trans children and their families, Gov. Newsom … made clear that California will welcome them with open arms. SB 107 officially makes California a state of refuge for trans kids and their families," said Equality California Executive Director Tony Hoang. "SB 107 will continue California's legacy of leadership in protecting and advancing the health and well-being of LGBTQ+ communities in a time when we cannot take our rights and protections for granted. We are grateful for the leadership of Senator Scott Wiener and his commitment to protecting the most vulnerable members of our community."