The City of Huntington Beach, California, has filed a legal challenge against the federal government over Assembly Bill 1955 (AB 1955), a recently enacted California state law. The city argues that the law, which restricts schools from notifying parents when a student expresses a desire to change their gender identity, may infringe on constitutional parental rights.
AB 1955, signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom in July 2024, aims to protect student privacy by requiring that school staff not disclose a student’s gender identity or sexual orientation without the student’s consent. Supporters say the law creates a safer environment for students navigating personal matters and helps prevent potential conflict in unsupportive home situations.
However, Huntington Beach officials contend that the law limits parental involvement in important aspects of their children’s lives. “This law mandates that schools withhold critical information from parents,” said Mayor Gracey Van Der Mark. “We believe that interferes with the constitutional rights of families.”
The lawsuit—filed in September 2024—names Governor Newsom, Attorney General Rob Bonta, and State Superintendent Tony Thurmond as defendants. It is supported by America First Legal, a legal organization that has taken up other cases focused on parental rights and local governance.
Continue reading on next page…