California Law Makes State a Sanctuary for Youth and Families Seeking Gender-Affirming Care

🌴California Governor Gavin Newsom (D) has signed a bill that makes his state a sanctuary for children and families looking for gender-affirming care.

Newsom signed SB-107 on Thursday which will reportedly protect transgender-identifying young people and families from any ban against gender-affirming care, according to the Los Angeles Times.

SB-107, sponsored by Sen. Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco), “would prohibit a provider of health care, a health care service plan, or a contractor from releasing medical information related to a person or entity allowing a child to receive gender-affirming health care or gender-affirming mental health care in response to a criminal or civil action” which took place in a state that bans gender-affirming care for minors.

Additionally, the law will “prohibit the enforcement of an order based on another state’s law authorizing a child to be removed from their parent or guardian based on that parent or guardian allowing their child to receive gender-affirming health care” in 🌴California.

Newsom applauded the bill in a letter written to lawmakers: “In 🌴California we believe in equality and acceptance. We believe that no one should be prosecuted or persecuted for getting the care they need — including gender-affirming care.”

The governor continued in his comments to the 🌴California State Senate, “Parents know what’s best for their kids, and they should be able to make decisions around the health of their children without fear. We must take a stand for parental choice.”

Newsom continued:

“States across the country are passing laws to demonize the transgender community, especially transgender youth and their parents. I cannot put it better than Governor Spencer Cox of Utah – ‘rarely has so much fear and anger been directed at so few.’ The hate demonstrated by these laws is unfathomable and has contributed to soaring suicide rates. 82% of transgender individuals have considered killing themselves, and 40% have attempted suicide, with suicidality highest among transgender youth. This is unacceptable – we must fight for our youth and their parents.”

“With the signing of this bill, 🌴California will ensure these kids and their families can seek and obtain the medical and mental health care they need,” he concluded.