'This Bill Is A Wolf In Sheep’s Clothing': Social Media Explodes After California Law Forces Judges To Consider 'Gender Affirmation' In Custody Cases

On Friday, the California State Assembly passed a bill that would require judges presiding over child custody cases to take into consideration whether or not a parent is affirming a child’s “gender transition,” the same as they would the child’s “health, safety and welfare.”

The bill, AB-957, features the controversial changes to child custody and visitation laws. It lays out different factors to be considered when the judge is deciding which parent is to get custody. Different factors include but aren’t limited to “health, safety, and welfare of the child,” “history of abuse by one parent,” “allegations of abuse,” “illegal use of controlled substances,” and now controversially, “a parent’s affirmation of the child’s gender identity or gender expression.” 

The legislation was passed down party lines in the assembly by a vote of 57-16. The California Senate previously passed the bill back on Wednesday in a vote of 30-9 which was also down party lines. The bill will then head to the desk of Governor Gavin Newsom (D-CA) where he is expected to sign the legislation. 

The bill was first introduced back in February by Lori Wilson (D), a member of the assembly who has a transgender child. It was also co-sponsored by State Senator Scott Weiner (D) who introduced the amendment that changed the text to say that “gender affirmation” was an essential need for a child, per The Daily Signal. 

Wilson has been a strong supporter of transgender rights for children, previously saying that “Parents affirm their children. Typically it happens when their gender identity matches their biological gender. But when it doesn't, the affirmation starts to wane... Our duty as parents is to affirm our children."

Many have commented on the passing of the bill, with notable figures like Elon Musk saying, “This bill is a wolf in sheep’s clothing. What it would actually mean is that if you disagree with the other parent about sterilizing your child, you lose custody. Utter madness!”

Musk also said that if the bill was signed he would intend on leaving the state, potentially bringing the X headquarters with him. 

Charlie Kirk of Turning Point USA slammed the bill on X (formerly Twitter), saying, “California is the Democrat model for the rest of America: One-party rule, extreme wealth stratification, millions of illegals, mass exodus of the middle-class, crime, open air drug use, high taxes, and all it marked by a woke assault on science, biology, and God-ordained parental rights.”

Caitlyn Jenner, a transgender himself, even said “So sick” in reply to the passing of the bill.