Gavin Newsom Defies Fellow Leftists Sparking Democrat Infighting On Transgender Affirmation In Court - The 'Veto Is A Tragedy'

Governor Gavin Newsom (D-CA) made the surprise decision on Friday to go against his fellow Democrats and veto AB 957, a bill that would require courts to consider if a parent is affirming a child’s gender identity when deciding custody. 

As previously covered by the DC Enquirer, the bill required that a judge factor in “a parent’s affirmation of the child’s gender identity or gender expression” the same way they would factor in a child’s “health, safety, and welfare.” The piece of legislation managed to pass both the California State Assembly and State Senate with a heavy majority each time. 

Even with such fervent support from Democrats for the bill, Newsom has for once stopped to consider the ramifications of forcing the courts to go along with the gender identity insanity. In his statement, he informed the State Assembly that he would not be signing the bill but nonetheless appreciates “the passion and values” that led to the creation of the bill.

The primary reason he chose not to sign the bill was over concerns about separations of powers and having the Executive and Legislative branches tell the Judicial branch how they need to operate. 

“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,” the statement read. “Other-minded elected officials, in California and other states, could very well use this strategy to diminish the civil rights of vulnerable communities.”

“Moreover, 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,” it added.

While anyone who is a fan of common sense and proper government function would see the veto from Newsom as a massive win, his fellow Democrats in California didn’t feel that way. Assemblywoman Lori Wilson (D) who co-authored the bill alongside Scott Wiener (D) released a statement expressing her disappointment in the governor’s decision. 

"I am extremely disappointed. I know the Governor's record. He's been a champion for the LGBTQ+ community for years and even before it was popular to do so," Wilson’s statement read. "However, on this point, the Governor and I disagree on the best way to protect [Transgender, Gender-Diverse and Intersex] kids."

Wilson attempted to defend the bill, saying that it only meant to give “a voice” to the LGBTQ community in the court system, and promised that she would continue fighting.

The other author, Scott Wiener, commented on the veto on his X/Twitter, claiming that the “veto is a tragedy for trans kids here & around the country.” He claimed that there was an “astounding” amount of “right wing misinformation” related to the bill before finishing on how he believes the veto was a mistake. 

While those who crafted the bill may be miffed that their agenda didn’t get codified into law, the veto from Newsom is a victory for any person fighting against the pervasive LGBTQ agenda that has been sweeping the country. While it’s rare for the California governor to make a great decision, the move on Friday was undoubtedly one.