The Left is always passing bills that hurt America. But this time they have crossed a major line.
And a terrifying new liberal bill could steal rights away from citizens.
The California state legislature is currently considering a highly contentious bill, AB 1955, which aims to prevent schools from notifying parents if their children decide to change genders.
This proposed legislation is backed by State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, who has been a vocal advocate for protecting the privacy of students regarding their gender identity decisions.
AB 1955 is seen as a direct response to a policy clash last year in Chino Valley, California.
The local school board there approved a policy requiring schools to notify parents if children wanted to change genders, a move that overrode Governor Gavin Newsom’s statewide policy.
The state swiftly sued the district, and U.S. Judge Roger Benitez, an appointee of President George W. Bush, blocked the district’s policy.
Governor Newsom later criticized Benitez for his rulings on various issues, including gun control.
Now, California Democrats are working to codify Newsom’s policy into law through AB 1955. The relevant text of the bill reads:
“This bill would prohibit school districts, county offices of education, charter schools, and the state special schools, and a member of the governing board or body of those educational entities, from enacting or enforcing any policy, rule, or administrative regulation that requires an employee or a contractor to disclose any information related to a pupil’s s*xual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression to any other person without the pupil’s consent unless otherwise required by law, as provided. The bill would prohibit employees or contractors of those educational entities from being required to make such a disclosure unless otherwise required by law, as provided. The bill would prohibit employees or contractors of school districts, county offices of education, charter schools, or the state special schools, or members of the governing boards or bodies of those educational entities, from retaliating or taking adverse action against an employee on the basis that the employee supported a pupil in the exercise of specified rights, work activities, or providing certain instruction, as provided.”
Thurmond has been vocal in his support of the bill, stating that it would prevent the forced “outing” of transgender students.
“When and how a person comes out is a conversation that should be reserved for a student and a parent, not arbitrarily forced on unsuspecting youth by a school administration,” he said last week.
Governor Newsom has also defended his policy, asserting that it aims to protect students from bullying and harassment that might arise if their new gender identity were disclosed without their consent.
Newsom has frequently clashed with local school districts over various policies, including curriculum changes and gender identity issues, positioning himself as a defender of student rights and privacy.
However, this proposed legislation has sparked significant controversy and debate. Critics argue that it undermines parental rights and keeps parents in the dark about critical aspects of their children’s lives.
They contend that parents have the right to know about significant changes in their child’s life, including decisions about gender identity, so they can provide appropriate support and guidance.
State Senator Scott Wilk (R-Santa Clarita) has been one of the vocal opponents of AB 1955, emphasizing the importance of parental involvement.
“Parents are the primary caregivers and should be fully informed about their children’s lives, especially on matters as significant as gender identity,” Wilk said. “This bill effectively sidelines parents and could lead to harmful consequences for children who need their parents’ support.”
The debate over AB 1955 reflects broader national discussions about the balance between parental rights and student privacy, particularly concerning LGBTQ+ issues.
As this debate unfolds, it will undoubtedly have profound implications for the future of education and parental involvement in California and potentially beyond.
Stay tuned to the Conservative Column for updates on this developing story and more.
