By Julie Barrett, Founder, Conservative Ladies of America
On Friday, September 8, the California Assembly voted to pass AB 957, authored by Senator Scott Weiner, by a vote of 30-9 along party lines. With passage in both chambers, the bill was sent to Governor Gavin Newsom’s desk and expected to be signed into law. In a surprising turn of events, late on Friday night, September 21st, Newsom vetoed the bill.
In his veto message, Newsom stated:
“That said, I urge caution when the Executive and Legislative branches of state government attempt to dictate – in prescriptive terms that single out one characteristic – legal standards for the Judicial branch to apply. Other-minded elected officials, in California and other states, could very well use this strategy to diminish the civil rights of vulnerable communities.”
If this news makes you ponder whether Newsom has shifted to a moderate political position, I can assure you, he most certainly has not. There is no doubt that this veto is purely a political play. In reading his statement, he makes that very clear when he says other elected officials “could very well use this strategy to diminish the civil rights of vulnerable communities.” He understands that this kind of bill will set a precedent for future legislation by his political “opponents” that he will not like.
He goes on to say, “under existing law, is required to consider a child’s health, safety, and welfare when determining the best interests of a child in these proceedings, including the parent’s affirmation of the child’s gender identity.”
In 2020 California passed a “coercive control” bill. SB 1141 adds the behavior of coercive control to the Family Code. Coercive control includes: Isolating the victim from friends, relatives, or other support; depriving the victim of basic necessities; controlling the victim’s communications, daily behavior, finances, economic resources, and many other behaviors that cause severe emotional distress.
The “coercive control” law can be used in family court to rule against parents who are not “gender affirming.” Other states have a similar law. In 2022 Washington State passed HB 1901, a 127 page bill, that is essentially identical to California’s. The coercive control laws allow these radical left elected officials to pass heinous laws that strip parents of their rights in just the same way as AB 957, they’re just more inconspicuous, which means it’s easier for them to be passed into law under the radar. Most citizens probably haven’t even heard of the coercive control laws and what they actually mean (spoiler: there’s a ton of bad stuff in a 127 page bill).
We are seeing boldness out of the left with bills like AB 957. These bills get a lot of media attention and get citizens engaged in the government process. This is exactly what the left does not want. I believe this is precisely why Newsom vetoed the bill.
It is absolutely a great thing that Newsom vetoed this bill. But please, do not think for a second that this means he has had a change of conscience. He surely has not. Everyone knows Newsom has high aspirations for himself and you can rest assured that this move was a strategic played to help him to that end.
Citizens/Parents: be on high alert. Get involved. Learn about what’s going on in your government. The American government was created to be “by and for the people” and we have neglected our duty and we are paying a price. It’s not too late – get in the game and speak up!