Governor Gavin Newsom of California has signed several bills aimed at bolstering protections for LGBTQ individuals in the state. This legislative package comes in response to actions by the Trump administration that have threatened support for this community.
One significant piece of legislation will provide housing, employment, and other assistance to service members who were discharged from the U.S. military due to President Trump’s ban on transgender individuals serving. Assemblymember Chris Ward (D-San Diego), author of Assembly Bill 1775, expressed gratitude, stating, “I’m grateful to Gov. Newsom for signing this legislation and proud that California is standing with the veterans who were unjustly forced out of uniform.”
Additional measures included in the legislative package aim to strengthen privacy protections by restricting the sharing of sexual orientation and gender identity data. Healthcare providers will now be required to notify the California attorney general upon receiving subpoenas concerning healthcare activities safeguarded by the state.
Moreover, a new law will improve access to the drugs PrEP and PEP, which are used in preventing HIV. Newsom’s office stated, “The Trump administration has launched an all-out assault on the LGBTQ community, using medical records to target U.S. service members and civilians alike, hurting countless people and betraying hard-won trust. California will not stand for it.”
These newly signed bills were identified as priorities by the California Legislative LGBTQ Caucus. Since assuming office in 2019, Governor Newsom has approved numerous bills to enhance LGBTQ protections. His administration highlighted this year’s budget allotment of $66 million to improve access to gender-affirming care and abortion services.
State Senator Sabrina Cervantes (D-Riverside), chair-elect of the LGBTQ Caucus, commented on the achievements, saying, “I’m proud of the work our Caucus has done to advance legislation that meets the real needs of our community, and I thank Governor Newsom for signing these important bills. This progress reflects what we can accomplish when we work together to build a California where LGBTQ+ people and their families can live with greater safety, opportunity, and dignity.”
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