California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Saturday that he has signed legislation allowing for further support and protection of LGBTQ+ rights.
This includes implementing timelines for public school teachers and staff to perform required LGBTQ+ cultural competency training and establishing an advisory task force to acknowledge queer pupil needs statewide.
The action also requires that courts keep any petition for a change in gender or sex identity by a minor confidential.
“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. Newsom said in a statement released Saturday. “These measures will help protect vulnerable youth, promote acceptance, and create more supportive environments in our schools and communities.”
This legislation comes after Newsom vetoed a bill on Friday that would have required judges to give thought to whether parents affirm their children’s gender identity for decision in custody and visitation rights.
Justin Tindall, senior director of programs and operations of It Gets Better — a non-profit organization aiming to inspire queer people — believes that bills created to protect LGBTQ+ individuals create a safer environment for students to learn and flourish in.
“The passing of this legislation in California is nothing but a net positive for LGBTQ+ youth here in this state,” Tindall said in an email. “What more states should be asking themselves is why they’re willing to risk the safety and well-being of queer students instead of offering this same sort of support.”
Newsom’s LGBTQ+ supportive laws also come at a time when some rights are being challenged. According to the ACLU, there are 496 anti-LGBTQ+ bills that have been created in the U.S.
According to Tindall, California’s attempt to train public school teachers in important LGBTQ+ phenomena and issues fosters new perspectives.
“That’s where ongoing training comes in,” he said. “It gives you the opportunity to step back and away from the classroom to get a better perspective and view of the young humans you’re helping to grow.”