California law proposes fines for retailers with gender-specific toy sections
California retailers that refuse to incorporate “gender-neutral” toy sections could face hundreds of dollars in fines from the state under a new law that takes effect Jan. 1.
Any California department store that has 500 or more employees and sells childcare items will be required to feature a “gender-neutral” section “regardless of whether [the toys] have been traditionally marketed for either girls or for boys,” thanks to a new law signed by Democrat Gov. Gavin Newsom. Lawmakers claimed the new requirements are based on the state’s civil rights statutes.
“Any department store that fails to create a gender-neutral section could face a $250 fine for the first violation,” the New York Post reported, “and a $500 fine for any subsequent violations.”
Harmeet Dhillon, a California attorney and member of the Republican National Committee (RNC), issued a clarion call to challenge the state mandates.
“If any affected toy retailer wants to challenge this law,” she wrote on X, “call me.”
The New York Post editorial board mocked the new law in a Thursday op-ed.
“California is facing a crime crisis across its major cities, a population exodus driven by high taxes and woke policies, and a host of other thorny problems,” the board wrote. “Naturally, Golden State lawmakers opted to focus on the urgent issue of not enough gender-neutral toys.”
Of course, no law prevents parents from buying their child existing toys marketed for the opposite sex.
In August, retail giant Target reported the chain’s first quarterly miss in six years after the company debuted controversial apparel celebrating transgenderism and designed by a self-professed Satanist.
In Newsom’s debate on the merits of red state vs. blue state policy with Florida Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis last week, DeSantis scored his strongest points on stage when he slammed California’s obsession with sexualizing children. When moderator Sean Hannity of Fox News brought up Florida’s parental rights bill — which Democrats dishonestly branded as the “Don’t Say Gay” bill — DeSantis went on offense. The new law bans teachers from introducing sexual topics like LGBT ideology in kindergarten through third-grade classrooms.
“The role of the school is to educate kids, not indoctrinate kids,” DeSantis said. “It’s not to impose an agenda, it’s to do the basics.”
“What we’ve said in Florida is it’s inappropriate to tell a kindergartner that their gender is a choice, it’s inappropriate to tell a second grader that they may have been born in the wrong body,” DeSantis added. “California has that. They want to have that injected into the elementary school.”
Tristan Justice is the western correspondent for The Federalist and the author of Social Justice Redux, a conservative newsletter on culture, health, and wellness. He has also written for The Washington Examiner and The Daily Signal. His work has also been featured in Real Clear Politics and Fox News. Tristan graduated from George Washington University where he majored in political science and minored in journalism. Follow him on Twitter at @JusticeTristan or contact him at [email protected]. Sign up for Tristan’s email newsletter here.
How might the new “gender-neutral” toy section law in California impact retailers and their employees?
California retailers could face fines if they refuse to incorporate “gender-neutral” toy sections in their stores, according to a new law that will take effect on January 1. Any California department store with 500 or more employees that sells childcare items will be required to feature a “gender-neutral” section, regardless of the traditional marketing of toys for boys or girls. The law is based on the state’s civil rights statutes.
Under the new law, any department store that fails to create a gender-neutral section may face a $250 fine for the first violation, and a $500 fine for subsequent violations. These fines aim to ensure compliance with the law and promote inclusivity in retail spaces.
However, not everyone agrees with this legislation. Harmeet Dhillon, a California attorney and member of the Republican National Committee (RNC), has called for a challenge against the state mandates. She invites any affected toy retailer wanting to challenge this law to get in touch with her.
The New York Post editorial board also criticized the new law in a recent op-ed. They argue that California is facing more pressing issues such as crime and population exodus driven by high taxes and woke policies. They question the state’s priorities in focusing on gender-neutral toys instead of addressing these urgent problems.
It is important to note that this law does not prevent parents from buying toys marketed for the opposite sex. Parents are still free to choose toys based on their child’s preferences, regardless of gender marketing.
This is not the first time a retailer has faced controversy over their stance on progressive issues. In August, retail giant Target reported its first quarterly miss in six years after facing backlash for controversial apparel celebrating transgenderism and collaboration with a self-professed Satanist. Such events highlight the challenges faced by retailers in striking a balance between inclusivity and catering to diverse customer preferences.
The discussion on the merits of red state versus blue state policies was also raised recently during a debate between California Governor Gavin Newsom and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. The clash between these two governors highlights differing approaches to policy-making and the tensions between progressive and conservative ideologies.
In conclusion, the implementation of this new law in California has ignited conversation and debate. For some, it is seen as a positive step towards promoting inclusivity and breaking down gender stereotypes in toy marketing. Others argue that it is a misguided focus in light of more pressing issues facing the state. The impact of this law on retailers, consumers, and the broader societal conversation around gender will continue to unfold in the coming months.
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