California Must Provide , Gender-Neutral Bathrooms in Schools by 2026.
Gov.
Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 760 into law on Sept.
23, CNN reports.
All K-12 schools in the state must now be equipped with gender-neutral restrooms by July 2026.
California is proud to have some of the most robust laws in the nation when it comes to protecting and supporting our LGBTQ+ community, Gov.
Gavin Newsom, via statement.
Sen.
Josh Newman applauded the new law, saying it's "only fair that everybody has access to a restroom without fear of outing, bullying, or stigmatization," CNN reports.
Tony Hoang, executive director of Equality California, said the new law sends a "clear message" that the state will protect the LGBTQ community.
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Hate-filled attacks will not be tolerated and we will continue protecting and ensuring the safety of all members of the LGBTQ+ community, Tony Hoang, executive director of Equality California, via statement.
The new law comes one day after Gov.
Newsom vetoed a bill which would have called on California judges to weigh "whether a parent affirms their child's gender identity when granting custody and visitation," CNN reports.
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A court, 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, Gov.
Gavin Newsom, via statement.
I urge caution when the Executive and Legislative branches of state government attempt to dictate - in prescriptive terms that single out on characteristic - legal standards for the Judicial branch to apply, Gov.
Gavin Newsom, via statement.
Other-minded election officials, in California and other states, could very well use this strategy to diminish the civil rights of vulnerable communities, Gov.
Gavin Newsom, via statement
