California’s AB 957 Bill: Implications of Gender Ideology on Family Law

California’s AB 957 bill, which has passed the state assembly, would require family courts to include a parent’s affirmation of their child’s gender identity in interpretations of a child’s “health, safety, and welfare” in custody disputes. The bill is part of a trend of similar legislation, including last year’s trans-tourism bill and a recent bill requiring foster parents to provide “gender-affirming care.” The effects of gender ideology on family law have already been seen, with judges in California, Illinois, and Texas denying custody to parents who don’t accept the claims of trans activists. AB 957 goes further by defining non-affirmation as abuse, which could set a precedent for broader applications. The bill sets no requirements for clinical evaluations and includes no mention of mental-health comorbidities. Even schools, churches, and other organizations could be obligated to affirm a child’s gender identity. Meanwhile, the global credibility of the “gender-affirming” model is being called into question.