Starting today, California has a new definition of gender and is forcing public schools to present a one-sided message about homosexuality, bisexuality and transgender issues.
A referendum campaign to stop the new law — SB 777 — from taking effect fell short of the 434,000 signatures needed to place it on the ballot.
But a lawsuit challenging the law is moving forward.
In November, the Alliance Defense Fund and Advocates for Faith and Freedom sued California in federal court, on behalf of the California Education Committee, which is a project of the California Family Council. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed SB 777 in October, and it became effective today.
The new law redefines a student’s sex as his or her “gender identity,” relying upon a student’s feelings about whether the student is male or female rather than his or her biological sex.
Bob Tyler, general counsel for Advocates for Faith and Freedom, said the law has left most school districts scratching their heads, wondering what to do next.
"This is a significant day due to the fact that the law is now in effect, and it could completely redefine how we've segregated males and females in the history of our nation," he said. "It's such an outrage to have a law that actually requires schools to allow boys to use girls' restrooms. Basically, we're licensing predatory behavior."
Tyler said a decision from the judge could come in February.
