California requires that some stores have gender-neutral areas.
On Saturday, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed off on a new law that orders large department stores to provide gender-neutral options for kids. This comes after LGBTQ advocates pushed against children’s items that they say encourage children to go along with gender stereotypes.
Traditional boys and girls sections will still be around, but there will be “a reasonable selection” of items “regardless of whether they have been traditionally marketed for either girls or for boys.” Some of the kids’ items include clothing, toys and other products for children. NBC News reports that stores with at least 500 employees will have to abide by this new law.
Assemblyman Evan Low says it’s time the country stops policing gender roles. “We need to stop stigmatizing what’s acceptable for certain genders and just let kids be kids,” Low said. “My hope is this bill encourages more businesses across California and the U.S. to avoid reinforcing harmful and outdated stereotypes.”
California is now the first state to implement the law.
