California is the first state in the U.S. to prohibit school districts from requiring their staff to inform parents about a child’s change of gender identity. The law was signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom.

The law prohibits any school rule that requires teachers or other staff to reveal a student’s sexual orientation or gender identity to anyone else without their consent. The legislation’s supporters say that it will protect LGBTQ+ children who live in hostile households. Opponents say the legislation will prevent schools from being more transparent with their parents.

The bill comes in the midst of a national debate about local school districts, rights for parents and LGBTQ+ youth.

Brandon Richards said, in a Newsom spokesperson’s statement, “This law protects the role of parents while keeping children safe.” It protects the relationship between parents and children by prohibiting politicians from interfering inappropriately in family affairs and trying to control when, how, and whether families are having deeply personal conversations.

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This new law was passed after California school districts adopted policies that required parents to be notified when a child requested to change gender. This led to a pushback from Democratic state officials who said students have a privacy right.

Jonathan Zachreson is a California advocate who opposes this law. He says that informing parents of a student’s desire to change gender identity is “critical for the well-being and trust between parents and schools.”

States have attempted to ban gender-affirming services, prohibit transgender athletes in women’s and girls’ sports, and force schools to inform parents of trans and nonbinary children. Other states have passed bills that require parents to be informed of any changes in their child’s mental health or well-being.

California’s law sparked heated debate in state legislature. LGBTQ+ legislators have told stories of how difficult it was for them to choose when to tell their families. They argue that transgender children should be allowed to express themselves on their terms. Bill Essayli is a Republican State Assemblymember who represents a part of Riverside County. He has been a vocal opponent of this law. He has criticised Democratic leaders for not allowing a bill that he had introduced last year, which would have required parents be informed of their child’s gender identity change to receive a hearing.

The Anderson Union High School Board in Northern California approved a policy on parental notification last year. Shaye Stevens, an English professor and president of district’s teachers association, told us that the teachers union had recommended not enforcing the rule, while they were in a dispute with the school district about the policy.

Stephens stated that the notification policies place teachers in an unfair situation.

It’s a kind of lose-lose situation, for both teachers and administrators. Or anyone who is asked to do it. She said, “I don’t believe it’s safe for the students.” “I don’t think we are the best people to have those conversations with parents or guardians.”