The City of Huntington Beach, California, is suing the federal government over Assembly Bill 1955 (AB 1955), a controversial state law that bans school districts from notifying parents when a student expresses a desire to change their gender identity while at school. This legal challenge, filed in September 2024, argues that the law violates the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution by infringing on parents’ fundamental rights.
Signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom in July 2024, AB 1955 was designed to protect student privacy by preventing schools from disclosing a student’s gender identity or sexual orientation without their consent. Supporters of the bill argue it shields vulnerable students from potential harm, especially in homes where gender identity issues may be met with hostility or rejection.
However, Huntington Beach officials claim the legislation undermines the essential parent-child relationship. “This law mandates that schools withhold critical information from parents. That’s an unconstitutional interference,” said Mayor Gracey Van Der Mark.
The lawsuit targets Governor Newsom, Attorney General Rob Bonta, and State Superintendent Tony Thurmond, with legal backing from America First Legal, a conservative nonprofit. The city aims to stop the enforcement of AB 1955 and have it declared unconstitutional.
This legal battle is part of a broader pattern of conflict between Huntington Beach and the California state government. The city has previously opposed state mandates on housing, immigration, and other issues, positioning itself as a vocal advocate for local governance and parental rights.
As the lawsuit unfolds, it has become a flashpoint in the wider national debate over the role of parents in education versus the privacy rights of students, especially regarding sensitive topics like gender identity. The case could set a precedent with far-reaching implications for school policy, parental authority, and civil liberties in California and beyond.