California retailers now required to have gender-neutral toy aisles

(KTLA) – major retailers of California A new state law that took effect Monday requires gender-neutral toy aisles.

The new law requires retail department stores that are physically located in California and have 500 or more employees to “maintain gender-neutral sections or areas and label them at the retailer's discretion.” There is.

Stores that already have gender-specific toy sections do not need to remove them, but instead should add toy sections that are applicable to children of any gender, according to the report. Articles of law.

The law passed the state Legislature and was signed by Governor Gavin Newsom in 2021. Retailers who don't comply with the law will initially be fined $250, followed by a $500 fine for repeat offenders.

California Assemblyman Evan Lowe (D-Silicon Valley) said he was inspired to introduce the bill as a child.

“I was inspired to introduce this bill when 8-year-old Britten asked me, 'Why do stores have to tell me about girls' shirts and toys?'” Rowe said. stated in the paper. statement. “Her bill will give kids the freedom to express themselves without prejudice. We have to let kids be kids.”

But not all Californians are happy with the new law. Jonathan Keller, president of the California Family Council, a faith-based advocacy group, said: previously expressed displeasure When this bill is signed into law in 2021.

“We should all have compassion for individuals experiencing gender dysphoria,” Keller said in a statement. “But activists and state legislators have no right to force retailers to support government-approved messages about sexuality and gender. That is a violation of free speech and is patently wrong.”