In January 2023, California will become a refuge for any transgender children and their parents who come to the state from Idaho, Texas, or any other state where gender-affirming care has been made illegal. Governor Gavin Newsom signed the bill into law, and children who need care and protection for their transition journey can rely on California to accept and understand their needs.

Senator Scott Wiener sponsored the legislation, which was co-sponsored by Planned Parenthood, Equality California, TransFamily Support Services, and Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis. Because of the California law there are now another 19 states that are considering similar legislation to push back against the anti-LGBTQ decisions being made by some lawmakers.

In states like Texas there are investigations into transgender children and whether their parents are allowing them to have gender-affirming care. Parents who allow this type of care for their minor children could be subject to prosecution. While Texas may be the most extreme example of this kind of bigotry there are other states such as Arizona and Louisiana, where similar ideas are commonplace.

There is currently a ban on prosecuting parents in Texas, or removing their children from their care, but the state is appealing that ban. In the meantime there are many parents of transgender kids who are trying to figure out how to protect their children and still allow them to live as authentically as possible.

Bills like the one signed into law in California will go a long way toward making it easier for parents to protect their children, and it is likely that some families from red states will relocate in an effort to ensure their children’s safety. No matter where they come from or what the laws are in the state they left, California’s new law ensures that they will be safe, and that they cannot face consequences from the state they left, for the care they provide to their children.

The Surrogacy Law Center helps intended parents protect their rights and interests in assisted reproduction. Contact us today in Carlsbad to learn more!