Major retail stores have been forced to upgrade their premises to include gender-neutral sections for kids under new laws.
On Saturday, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a controversial law that forces large department stores to introduce gender-neutral sections for childcare items and toys.
While the traditional ‘boys’ and ‘girls’ sections have not been entirely banned, major department stores will now have to update their stores to include gender-neutral sections for kids as well.
According to the reports, the new law will affect childcare items, such as toothbrushes and various other hygiene products, and toys. Clothes, however, will be exempt from this law.
Furthermore, the new law will not affect small businesses as it will only apply to stores that have 500 employees or more.
The bill was originally drafted by assemblyman Evan Low who said he was inspired to make a change in department stores after hearing the story of a 10-year-old girl who couldn’t understand why the toys in the ‘boys’ section were off-limits to her when she was shopping with her mom.
“We need to stop stigmatizing what’s acceptable for certain genders and just let kids be kids,” the San Jose Democrat said.
“My hope is this bill encourages more businesses across California and the US to avoid reinforcing harmful and outdated stereotypes.”
Following the signing of the bill, Low thanked California Governor Gavin Newsom and suggested he was “incredibly grateful” for his swift action.
With this signing of the bill, California has become the first state to mandate gender-neutral sections for kids at large department stores.
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