California to fine stores that don’t have a ‘gender neutral’ kids toy section
California stores with over 500 employees may soon face fines for not having a section of toys that is “gender neutral” once a new law takes effect on Jan. 1.
The bill was signed by Democrat Governor Gavin Newsom in 2021. Gavin Newsom will fine stores that do not have a gender neutral toy section in their store for children 12 and under $500.
According to the text of the legislation, a childcare item is “any product that the manufacturer has designed or intended to be used to assist children in sleeping, relaxing, feeding, or with teething or sucking.”
The traditional boys’ and girls’ sections will not be banned, but it is necessary to create a section that is gender neutral.
|
Greg Burt, vice president of the California Family Research Council – a conservative nonprofit public policy group – told Fox News Digital Tuesday that the law violates the First Amendment.
Burt stated that “this is government-compelled language.” Burt said, “This is government-compelled speech.”
He continued, “You now have the government dictating what words are allowed to be used in advertising products.” “This is like opening Pandora’s Box.”
Fox News Digital reported on Tuesday that many toy stores in Los Angeles have already complied with the law.
According to the law, “keeping similar items that have traditionally been marketed for either girls or boys separate makes it harder for consumers to compare products and implies incorrectly that their use is inappropriate by one gender.”
According to the law, stores are required to display “a reasonable assortment of items and toys that they sell for children regardless of whether or not these have traditionally been marketed towards girls or boys.”
If you fail to comply with the law after January 1, 2024, civil penalties may be enforced by the district attorney or city attorney. The penalties range from $250 up to $500.
The law’s supporters claim that it will end gender discrimination, and stereotypes regarding boys and girls.
After the bill’s passage, California Democrat Evan Low, its author, stated, “We must stop stigmatizing gender and let kids just be kids.”
Low, CBS News’ 2021 correspondent, said: “I hope this bill will encourage more businesses in California and across the U.S. not to reinforce harmful and outdated stereotypes.”
The bill was introduced as conservatives boycotted transgender items this year, such as the “tuck-friendly” swimsuits sold by Target to transgenders in order to hide their genitalia.
Bud Light has also been criticized by conservatives for its partnership with transgender activist Dylan Mulvaney.
