California's Controversial Bill Punishes Parents for Not Affirming Trans Kids in Custody Battles

The California State Assembly has passed a bill that requires judges in child custody cases to consider whether a parent has affirmed a child's belief that they are transgender. The bill, known as AB 957, adds to the state's standard of parental responsibility for child welfare, stating that parents must be affirming of a child's gender identity to be considered fit for providing for the child's health, safety, and welfare. Critics argue that the bill jeopardizes a parent's custody of their child if they do not acknowledge their child's transgender identity, while supporters argue that it protects transgender and gender-diverse children from family rejection. The bill will now go to Governor Gavin Newsom for approval.