California Governor Gavin Newsom faces a lawsuit over Assembly Bill 1955, which prevents schools from informing parents if their child seeks to change their gender identity or pronouns. The bill, signed into law on July 15, restricts school districts and educators from disclosing any details about a student’s sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression without the student’s consent, unless legally required.
America First Legal (AFL), the group suing Newsom, argues that the law infringes on parental rights by stopping schools from notifying parents if their child shows signs of gender transition. AFL also points out that the law doesn’t set an age limit, meaning even the parents of preschoolers won’t be informed. The group emphasizes that the law shields school employees who facilitate social transitioning, which they argue is a form of medical intervention that can lead to serious harm.
AFL claims the law violates the 14th Amendment, which ensures parental authority over decisions regarding their children’s medical treatment, including social transitioning. The group asserts that California is overstepping by interfering in what should be a private conversation between parents and their children.
AFL has previously taken similar legal actions, suing the Eau Claire Area School District in Wisconsin in 2022 and Mesa Public Schools in 2023, both for allegedly concealing gender transitions from parents.
