FRESNO COUNTY, Calif. (KFSN) — Governor Gavin Newsom has signed the SAFETY Act into law, a measure designed to protect students and employees from being forcibly outed. This legislation prohibits any school board policy, rule, or administrative regulation that mandates revealing a student’s sexual orientation, gender identity, preferred pronouns, or gender expression without their consent.
PFLAG Fresno, a prominent supporter of the bill, expressed relief at its passage. Drew Harbaugh, the organization’s president, highlighted the importance of trust between students and educators. “Forced outing policies create distrust. Students often feel more comfortable coming out to friends, peers, or a trusted school counselor or teacher before coming out at home,” Harbaugh explained.
Not all were in favor. Assemblyman Jim Patterson voted against AB 1955, calling it an “evil bill” in a statement to Action News. “In my nearly 12 years in the State Assembly, I’ve never seen an effort like this to damage the relationship between children and their parents. The state does not own our children and should not interfere in family matters, especially regarding sensitive issues like this,” Patterson asserted.
The bill’s author, Assemblyman Christopher Ward from San Diego, argued that forced outing policies are detrimental to everyone involved. “These policies compel staff to intrude into family matters unnecessarily, removing opportunities for families to build trust and have conversations on their own terms,” Ward stated.
Terry Stasio, president of the Fresno Stonewall Democratic Club, praised the bill for safeguarding students’ physical and mental health. “Fear of rejection can be as damaging as actual threats. Kids might run away if their parents are informed without their consent,” Stasio noted.
In response to the new legislation, Clovis Unified issued a statement reaffirming their commitment to complying with state and federal laws with compassion for students and families. “We are currently analyzing this bill to determine its impact on our existing practices,” the statement read.
The SAFETY Act also provides schools, students, and employees with resources to facilitate conversations about gender and identity, aiming to foster a supportive environment for all students.