Gates Statement on Victory in Parental Rights Case He Brought as Huntington Beach City Attorney

Huntington Beach, CA - Republican Attorney General candidate Michael Gates today issued the following statement after the Federal Ninth Circuit blocked key provisions of a bill that would have barred schools from telling a child’s parent about the child’s gender identify, a major victory in the parental rights lawsuit Gates brought while serving as City Attorney for the City of Huntington Beach (Huntington Beach v. Governor Gavin Newsom).

“This is a major victory for parents, families and common sense,” said Gates. “When I brought this case as Huntington Beach City Attorney, we did it because California parents have a fundamental right to know what is happening with their children at school. Sacramento politicians have no right to force schools to keep secrets from parents about their own children.”

The lawsuit challenged AB 1955, which restricted schools from notifying parents about issues involving their children’s gender identity. The Ninth Circuit’s decision blocks enforcement of key provisions of the law.

“Rob Bonta has used the Attorney General’s office to defend Sacramento’s extreme agenda, even when it comes at the expense of parents and children,” said Gates. “As Attorney General, I will stand with parents, protect children and make sure government never comes between families and their fundamental rights.”

Gates is running for Attorney General to restore public safety, defend constitutional rights and bring accountability back to California’s top law enforcement office.