Protect Kids California has launched a petition drive for a ballot initiative that would protect parental rights, girls sports and children in the Golden State. The campaign is already under fire from LGBT activists and their allies, who label these protections “anti-transgender.”

To place the “Protect Kids of California Act of 2024” on November’s ballot, the organization needs almost 550,000 certified signatures from registered California voters by the end of April 2024.

It’s time for Christians and conservatives to step up to the plate and support this important act – the Daily Citizen lists some ways you can help at the end of this article.

Protect Kids says, “We are parents on a mission to protect children. We are advocating for policies that promote all children’s rights and well-being.” The organization explains that the ballot initiative:

  • Requires schools to notify parents regarding children’s mental health concerns identified in school settings, including gender identification issues.
  • Protects girls competitive sports and school spaces to be for biological girls only.
  • Prevents the sterilization of children by prohibiting the use of puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, mastectomies and genital surgeries for minors.

In a press release, Jonathan Zachreson, founder of Protect Kids California, stated:

These are common sense issues. Unfortunately, California is controlled by an out-of-touch legislature that refuses to engage in protecting parents or kids.

The “Protect Kids of California Act of 2024” would overturn California policies that tell schools to hide information from parents about a child’s sexual identity confusion; permit boys who identify as girls to play girls sports and use girls dressing rooms, locker rooms and restrooms; and allow children to receive experimental, body-mutilating and sterilizing medical procedures.

Protect Kids says the ballot measure is in line with polling that demonstrates:

  • 68% of California voters support schools notifying parents of kids wanting to socially transition at school.
  • 64% of California voters agree student athletes should only play on sports teams matching their biological sex.
  • 75% of California voters agree minors should be protected from puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones and transgender surgeries.

California Family Council, a Focus on the Family ally that fights for life, parental rights and religious freedom, supports the measure. The organization reported:

California State Attorney General Rob Bonta’s office has named the petition the “Restricts Rights of Transgender Youth” initiative. Zachreson said his group is considering suing over the name even before the initiative makes it on the ballot, emphasizing that the initiative will not be restricting rights but, instead, “protecting them.”

Other individuals and groups supporting the proposed act include detransitioner Chloe Cole, Moms for Liberty, Independent Council on Woman’s Sports, Our Duty, the Changed Movement and former NCAA swimmer Riley Gaines.

The initiative is already receiving pushback from transgender activists. Erin Friday is an attorney and co-leader of “the Western Region of Our Duty, an international group of parents and allies who are fighting to protect children and vulnerable adults against gender ideology.”

Friday was doing a live interview with radio station KCNR, in Redding, California when, according to an X post from Protect Kids, “A transactivist man dressed as a woman threw a massive rock through a Redding, CA radio station window today during the live broadcast.”

You can hear the studio’s glass shattering and the aftermath in the post:

Chis Elston – also known as Billboard Chris, has gained notoriety by travelling across North America since 2020, engaging in conversations with people about gender ideology. In one post on X, he encourages Christians to get involved in this initiative. In another, he encourages all Californians to sign the petition and collect signatures.

A short YouTube video from Protect Kids California gives petition signing instructions, as does the petition itself, when downloaded. The organization also offers the opportunity to stay informed and volunteer, lists signature-gathering events, and sells yard signs, posters, hoodies, t-shirts and other merchandise to promote the ballot measure.

But it’s not just Californians who can get involved. Here are a few action ideas for anyone who wants to support the act:

  1. Pray for the “Protect Kids of California Act of 2024” to get on the ballot and to pass in November.
  2. Forward this article to California friends and family, letting them know about this signature drive and encouraging them to sign the petition to get the measure on the ballot.
  3. On social media, follow groups and individuals supporting the drive – and like and forward their posts.
  4. Gathering signatures is expensive – donate to Protect Kids California and other groups supporting this initiative.

Getting this measure on the ballot is the first step. The next step is winning the election in November. The Daily Citizen will follow the proposed act and keep you updated about progress.

Related articles and resources:

Protect Kids California – “Protect Kids of California Act of 2024”

California Family Council – Interview with Erin Friday, “California’s Parent Notification Policy: AB 1314 and How It All Started”

Changed Movement

Daily Citizen:

American College of Pediatricians: No Benefits From ‘Gender-Affirming’ Interventions

California Could Become Destination State for ‘Transgender’ Procedures for Children – Courts Instructed to Ignore Parental Rights

California Legislation Lets Courts Take Custody from Parents of Minors Who Seek ‘Transgender’ Treatments

California Governor Gavin Newsom Admits Controversial LGBT Books Inappropriate

‘Families’ Rights and Responsibilities Act’ Introduced in Congress

 

Image credit: Erin Friday – petition signing event at a Korean church in San Jose, California.