A proposed bill in California, Assembly Bill 1084, threatens to change the landscape of toy stores and retail locations by enforcing mandatory gender-neutral store designs.
If passed, this legislation would eliminate the traditional boys and girls sections in stores, imposing a $1,000 fine on retailers who fail to comply. The changes would also apply to store websites, requiring children’s products to be advertised under gender-neutral categories, such as “kids” or “unisex.”
Targeting retailers with 500 or more employees, the bill stipulates that these businesses must maintain undivided areas of their sales floors, displaying items without regard to traditional gender marketing. If signed into law by California Governor Gavin Newsom, these changes would take effect in January 2024. Assemblywoman Cristina Garcia and Assemblyman Evan Low, both of whom chair legislative caucuses in California, are co-authors of the bill.
It’s worth noting that this isn’t the first time California lawmakers have attempted to enforce gender-neutral restrictions on stores and toy sellers. A similar bill was introduced in 2020 but was tabled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Low cites Target’s 2015 decision to eliminate gendered children’s sections as inspiration for the bill, claiming that this legislation is merely an attempt to catch up with industry practices.
Low’s own experience with his daughter, who questioned why she had to enter the boys’ section for a science-themed toy, also influenced the bill. He argues that the bill aims to create a safe space for children in today’s society.
However, conservatives criticize the bill, asserting that it is a waste of time and that lawmakers should focus on more pressing issues like homelessness, crime, and eviction prevention. Gregg Bilson has taken to Twitter to express their disapproval, stating that such legislation is why “California is laughed at.”
Despite the opposition, California lawmakers maintain that children are negatively impacted by stores organizing products based on gender.
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It is crucial to engage in a meaningful debate on whether such legislation is truly necessary and if it will effectively address the issue at hand. Should retailers be forced to adhere to gender-neutral guidelines, or is this an overreach of government power that detracts from more pressing matters? The outcome of this bill could have far-reaching consequences, setting a precedent for other states to follow suit or reject similar proposals.
Source: AWM