The Support Academic Futures and Educators for Today's Youth Act, also known as the AB1955 bill, Safety Act or SAFETY Act,[1][2][3] is an first-in-nation act signed and activated by California governor Gavin Newsom on July 15, 2024.[4][5] The state law allows educators discretion in informing parents of a child's LGBTQ+ identity, but bars disclosure being a requirement.[4][6][7]
According to the Northern California ACLU, the SAFETY act would, in addition to preventing forced disclosure of LGBTQ+ identity, would also provide information for parents and education personnel on acceptance and the creation of spaces safe for LGBTQ+ students.[5]
Because of this law and the many others that preceded it, attacking both families and companies, SpaceX will now move its HQ from Hawthorne, California, to Starbase, Texas.
Musk also said in the reply on the post that said he would move to Starbase, stating that: "I did make it clear to Governor Newsom about a year ago that laws of this nature would force families and companies to leave California to protect their children".[17][14]
Governor Newsom
Following Musk's move, Governor Newsom then criticized Musk on X, with him posting on X with the caption "You bent the knee." along with a screenshot on X of a 2022 Truth Social post by former President Donald Trump criticizing Elon Musk.[21][24][25]
Other reactions
Many people, mostly parents, oppose and are upset by the law, saying it restricts parental rights, and plan to move their children to other states. However, many supporters and advocates have praised the bill for protecting LGBTQ youth,[4][6][26][27] like California Legislative LGBTQ Caucus Chair Susan Eggman. Other supporters, like CTA President David Goldberg, also gave praise: “This historic legislation will strengthen existing protections against forced outings and allow educators to continue creating safe learning environments where every student feels accepted, nurtured, and encouraged to pursue their dreams”.[7][28]