Some California stores are just weeks away from having to implement a gender-neutral section for children or face a penalty of up to $500, under a new bill.
In 2021, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed legislation, titled Assembly Bill No. 1084, which will require some retail stores in the state to have a gender-neutral section for children "regardless of whether they have been traditionally marketed for either girls or for boys."
The bill is set to go into effect on January 1, 2024, and states that stores failing to comply will be "liable for a civil penalty not to exceed $250 for a first violation or $500 for a subsequent violation, as provided."
The legislation applies to "a retail department store that is physically located in California that has a total of 500 or more employees across all California retail department store locations that sells childcare items or toys."
The legislation comes shortly after some stores and brands faced widespread criticism and calls for boycotts over LGBTQ+ items sold during Pride season. Bud Light and its parent company, Anheuser-Busch, were slammed by conservatives after partnering with Dylan Mulvaney, a transgender influencer and activist.
Similarly, Target faced calls for a boycott over its 2023 Pride season items, which included clothing supporting the LGBTQ+ community. Many conservatives became angered over Target's decision to sell "tuck friendly" swimsuits, which are worn by transgender individuals to conceal their private areas.
Following backlash, Target issued a statement announcing that it was removing some of the 2023 Pride season items "that have been at the center of the most significant confrontational behavior."
"Since introducing this year's collection, we've experienced threats impacting our team members' sense of safety and well-being while at work," the statement said. "Our focus now is on moving forward with our continuing commitment to the LGBTQIA+ community and standing with them as we celebrate Pride Month and throughout the year."
In 2021, California Democratic Congressman Evan Low spoke to the Associated Press about authoring Assembly Bill No. 1084 and said: "We need to stop stigmatizing what's acceptable for certain genders and just let kids be kids.
"My hope is this bill encourages more businesses across California and the U.S. to avoid reinforcing harmful and outdated stereotypes," Low told the Associated Press, adding that he was "incredibly grateful" to receive Newsom's signature.
Shortly after the bill in California was signed in 2021, Lego issued a statement announcing that it was working to make its toys more inclusive to girls.
"The company is committed to making Lego play more inclusive and ensuring that children's creative ambitions – both now in the future – are not limited by gender stereotypes," the company said.
Newsweek reached out to Newsom's and Target's press offices via email for comment.
Uncommon Knowledge
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Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
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