California Schools Could Be Banned From Outing Kids to Their Parents
LGBTQ+ identities to their parents without the students' consent. The legislation aims to protect the privacy and safety of LGBTQ+ students, including transgender students, sparking a heated debate among lawmakers, educators and parents.AB 1955, known as The Safety Act, was introduced by Assemblyman Chris Ward, along with the California Legislative LGBTQ Caucus, on Wednesday, according to a report by KMPH in Fresno.
The bill was introduced following reports of students being outed by school staff, sometimes leading to familial rejection or even violence."I am proud to stand up for our LGBTQ youth and introduce #AB1955 The SAFETY Act," Ward wrote on X, formerly Twitter, on Thursday. "Teachers should not be the gender police and violate the trust and safety of the students in their classrooms.
This bill will ensure all students have a safe and supportive environment to learn, regardless of their gender identity."Supporters of the bill argue that outing students without their consent can lead to severe mental health issues, including depression and anxiety, and in extreme cases, homelessness or self-harm.
Advocacy groups like the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and Equality California have voiced strong support for the measure."Generally, your school, whether public or private, doesn't have the right to 'out' you as LGBTQ to anyone without your permission, including your parents," the ACLU's website says in a section called Know Your Rights.Under the California and U.S.
