Newsom vetoes California bill on gender identity in custody cases amid rising national debate over transgender youth rights

California Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed a bill requiring judges to consider parental affirmation of children's gender identity in custody cases.
Newsom expressed caution about legislative and executive branches dictating standards for the judicial branch to follow.
The veto drew both criticism from LGBTQ advocates and praise from conservatives amid heated national debates over transgender rights.
Newsom signed other bills strengthening protections for LGBTQ youth in areas like school policies, training, and foster care.
The veto comes as parental rights, children's medical decisions, bathroom access, and sports participation remain flashpoints in the transgender youth debate nationwide.