California Governor Vetoes Bills Impacting Gender Identity, Self-Driving Trucks, and LGBTQ+ Community
California Governor Gavin Newsom has vetoed a bill that would have required judges to consider a parent's affirmation of their child's gender identity in custody and visitation decisions. Newsom expressed concern about the executive and legislative branches dictating legal standards for the judicial branch and potentially diminishing the civil rights of vulnerable communities. The bill aimed to make gender affirmation one factor among many in custody proceedings, but opponents argued it could pit parents against each other. The veto comes amid ongoing political battles over transgender rights across the country.