"Newsom's Veto Power: LGBTQ+ Protections, Gender Identity Support, and Self-Driving Trucks"

California Governor Gavin Newsom has vetoed a bill that would have required judges to consider a parent's support for a child's gender identity in custody battles. While Newsom expressed his commitment to advancing transgender rights, he cautioned against making legal standards that single out one characteristic. He argued that existing state law already requires courts to consider a child's health, safety, and welfare, which includes the parent's affirmation of the child's gender identity. Newsom's veto marks a departure from his usual stance on transgender rights, leading to disappointment among bill sponsors and supporters. However, he signed other legislation strengthening protections for LGBTQ Californians. The bill could still be overridden by a two-thirds vote in the State Legislature.