New Protection for Transgender Youth

AB 2119 bill gives the right to transgender youth in foster care to access medical services, including counseling, hormone therapy, and surgery; also other services such as dental and vision. Assembly Bill 2119 was proposed by Todd Gloria, who claimed that this will “empower transgender foster youth to live authentically and simply be themselves.” This new law will give transgender youths in California the right to access healthcare, which is a basic human right that many in the past did not have. The law also faces opposition from the conservative Christian California Family Foundation, who claims this law will force “puberty-blocking drugs” and “sex change operations” on foster kids,” and that services provided “affirm their gender confusion.” However, the bill does not force any children to accept any of the services provided. This law does not provide for any penalties or other forms of relief.