On June 27 (Thursday), a proposal, AB1955, which prohibits school districts from notifying parents about students’ gender transition and sexual orientation, has received support from the majority of legislators in both houses of the California Legislature. It is now set to be sent to the governor’s desk for signing into law.
The AB1955 proposal has sparked intense debate among lawmakers on both sides of the aisle. Supporters argue that the proposal will protect the privacy and safety of LGBTQ+ students, while opponents believe that it directly impacts parents’ fundamental rights to oversee and guide their children’s upbringing, potentially leading children to irreversible distress.
On Thursday, the California Assembly passed the proposal with a vote of 60 to 15, but there were some dramatic events in the chamber. A heated argument erupted between Democratic State Assembly Member Corey Jackson, who is homosexual, and Republican State Assembly Member Bill Essayli.
Essayli argued that the proposal is based on false and exaggerated theories. When he mentioned “teachers being put in a position to lie to parents” during his speech in the assembly, his remarks were interrupted by Democratic lawmakers, and his microphone was abruptly cut off.
Ultimately, the proposal was passed along party lines by lawmakers. The Democratic Party holds a vast majority of seats in both houses of the California Legislature.
The content of AB1955 includes provisions that prohibit schools from implementing or enforcing any policies, rules, or administrative regulations disclosing students’ sexual orientation, gender transition, or related information to parents, guardians, or anyone else without the student’s consent, unless otherwise required by law. The proposal also invalidates any “parent notification” policies adopted by school districts.
After the vote concluded, Chris Ward, a Democratic State Assembly Member and initiator of the AB1955 proposal, expressed gratitude on social media for the proposal’s passage by the legislature.
“Coming out as a student is a very personal decision and should be made at their discretion, including who they choose to share this information with,” Ward said. “I hope the governor will sign the proposal into law promptly and continue California’s leadership in protecting LGBTQ+ rights.”
Essayli, who opposes the AB1955 proposal, stated on X platform, “Today Capitol Democrats ignored the majority of parents, teachers, students, religious leaders, and the public at large by advancing a dangerously secretive proposal to withhold information from parents.” He believes that using the law to strip parental rights is “dangerous and against common sense.”
Next, AB1955 is poised to be sent to Governor Newsom’s desk for signing. The California Family Council is urging everyone to call the governor to urge him to veto this measure. ◇