Overview
- California’s Senate Judiciary Committee voted 7–1 to advance SB 934, sending the bill to the appropriations committee for further review.
- SB 934 seeks to expand civil claims against providers who try to change a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity, extending the window to sue to 22 years after a minor turns 18 and 10 years for adults.
- During the hearing, detransitioner Jonni Skinner opposed the bill and testified that puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones given in youth left him with lasting sexual and developmental harms, describing his account as a warning to lawmakers.
- Bill sponsor Sen. Scott Wiener defended the proposal as a malpractice route distinct from treatment bans and said it does not bar patients from exploring their gender identity or sexual orientation with a therapist.
- The debate unfolded after the Supreme Court’s 8–1 decision striking down Colorado’s ban on conversion therapy for minors, a ruling that right-leaning outlets highlighted while also focusing on Wiener’s demeanor and prior transgender-related legislation; Republican Sen. Suzette Martinez Valladares cast the sole no vote.