California Governor Gavin Newsom recently faced tough questions about the age at which children should be allowed to undergo transgender procedures. During a discussion with podcaster Shawn Ryan, he hesitated to state whether an eight-year-old is too young for such transitions. This moment comes as Newsom appears to be positioning himself as a more moderate candidate ahead of a possible presidential run in 2028.
At the same time, significant changes are happening in California’s legislature. Recently, Assembly Bill 1084 moved forward, which would allow a court-appointed lawyer to help children change their name and sex on their birth certificates. If this bill passes, these lawyers could make changes even if the child’s parents oppose them, as long as a court deems it likely that the child will remain a ward of the state until they turn 18.
This legislation has raised concerns about parental rights. Critics argue that it enables children to assert their gender identity without parental consent, potentially undermining the authority of parents. Under the bill, if a child claims abuse—regardless of whether the claim is verified—they could be assigned an attorney who would support their gender identity claims.
Assemblyman Rick Zbur, who authored the bill, has drawn fire for his comments comparing those who defend women’s sports to Nazis. The bill is seen by some as part of a broader trend among Democrats to diminish parental rights, allowing the state to intervene in family matters.
Parents do have the option to contest these changes, but the bill specifies that challenges based solely on beliefs about gender will not be considered valid. This means that if a parent believes in traditional views of gender, they may not have a legal basis to oppose their child’s name or sex change.
Critics of the bill argue that it violates fundamental parental rights and could lead to unreliable official records. If signed into law, it would allow anyone in California to petition for a change in their sex designation with minimal opposition.
The bill is classified as an "urgency bill," which means it would take effect immediately if the governor signs it. With a Democrat-controlled legislature likely to pass the bill, it will soon be on Newsom’s desk. This situation raises questions about whether he will uphold his stated commitment to parental rights or align with the more progressive elements of his party. Erin Friday, who leads an organization advocating for parents of gender-confused children, highlights the potential implications for families across the state.