California Signs New Bill to Require Gender-Neutral Toy Aisles in Large Department Stores
By Movieguide® Staff
California Governor Gavin Newsom recently signed a bill that requires large department stores to have gender-neutral toy aisles.
Although stores will not be required to do away with traditional boys and girls sections, those same stores must also provide “a reasonable selection” of items “regardless of whether they have been traditionally marketed for either girls or for boys.”
While the law will extend to toys and childcare items such as toothbrushes, it does not affect the store’s clothing sections. According to the legislation, any department store that exceeds 500 employees must abide by the new rules, but small businesses will remain exempt.
Assemblyman Evan Low wrote the bill and thanked Gov. Newsom for his signature.
“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 “My hope is this bill encourages more businesses across California and the U.S. to avoid reinforcing harmful and outdated stereotypes.”
Texas Governor Greg Abbott, along with other republicans and conservative groups, disagreed with the bill.
“California mandates gender-neutral toy aisles for large retailers. Not in Texas,” Abbott posted to Twitter. “In Texas, it is businesses — NOT government — that decide how they display their merchandise.”
California mandates gender-neutral toy aisles for large retailers.
Not in Texas.
In Texas, it is businesses — NOT government — that decide how they display their merchandise. https://t.co/zZuLqwfX0e
— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) October 10, 2021
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