A California bill would require judges to consider a parent’s acceptance or affirmation of their child’s gender identity when weighing child custody disputes.

Gov. Gavin Newsom on Friday vetoed Assembly Bill 957, which lawmakers passed earlier in September. The Assembly approved the measure and sent it to the governor’s desk on a party-line vote of 57-16.

In a veto message, Newsom urged caution that the bill’s approach could be used “to diminish the civil rights of vulnerable communities.”

“Moreover, a court, under existing law, is required to consider a child’s health, safety, and welfare when determining the best interests of a child in these proceedings, including the parent’s affirmation of the child’s gender identity,” Newsom’s message read. “For these reasons, I cannot sign this bill.”

[HO-LEE-CRAP. I know the blowback has been tremendous for this abomination, but that’s never stopped Newsom before. Thank GOD it did THIS time, whatever his calculations were. ~ Beege]