California Governor Gavin Newsom (D) has officially signed AB 727 into law, requiring student ID cards in California’s public middle schools, high schools, and colleges to include the hotline number for the Trevor Project, a far-left LGBT activist organization.

The bill was introduced by the Democratic Assembly Member Mark González in February. Notably, California already requires student IDs to have the general suicide prevention hotline on them. This recent addition, signed into law on World Mental Health Day, specifically promotes LGBT ideology by directing students to the Trevor Project, which notoriously pushed children struggling with gender identity into so-called “gender affirming” counseling. The bill’s text lays out the justification behind the measure, claiming heightened rates of bullying, harassment, and discrimination among LGBT-identifying individuals “due to their sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.”

According to González, this bill was a direct response to the Trump administration, which, only months prior, “terminated a federal suicide hotline for so-called LGBTQ youth that subcontracted to the Trevor Project and other organizations,” The Daily Caller reported — a move Newsom called “a disgrace,” while others welcomed the step away from the LGBT-centric hotline. But as González put it, “When Donald Trump and the federal government turn their backs on LGBTQ+ youth, California steps up.” He added that AB 727 sends “a clear message: our LGBTQ+ youth are seen, valued, and never alone. AB 727 is not just a piece of legislation; it is a lifeline for our queer youth.”

In a statement, Newsom hailed the new law. “Every student,” said Newsom, “deserves to feel safe, supported, and seen for who they are. While some in Washington turn their backs on LGBTQ youth, California is choosing compassion over cruelty.” Newsom claimed that AB 727 sends a “clear” message that someone’s “identity doesn’t disqualify you from care and community — it’s exactly why we are fighting to make it easier to reach.” A statement from the governor’s office went on to state that “AB 727 aligns with California’s broader work and commitment to preventive mental health care.”

Meanwhile, California’s new law has many on edge. The group Parents Defending Education, for example, raised several concerns related to the Trevor Project and the kind of agendas it promotes. For one, the organization has an online chat room that allows children to talk about gender and sexuality with adults they aren’t related to — a platform that allows users to quickly close the window and delete browser history through a feature called “quick exit.” Additionally, the Trevor Project has something called TrevorSpace, advertised for people aged 13 to 24, that also facilitates sexually explicit conversations while offering so-called “advice” to vulnerable minors.

As The Daily Caller further highlighted, the Trevor Project “also opposes parental notification policies for name or pronoun changes at school, supports allowing men in women’s bathrooms and locker rooms, and promotes puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones as ‘medically necessary’ for transgender-identifying youth.” While the Trevor Project hotline being required on student IDs has concerned many, it’s not the first time California has made this kind of push. In 2019, a bill was proposed to include the hotline for the abortion giant Planned Parenthood on student IDs. This did not ultimately become law.

Upon signing AB 727 into law, Newsom took to X to announce it, where he was met with a flurry of opposition. As one user asked, “Why do they need a dedicated line for suicide? Can’t they call the regular hotline?” Another pointed out, “We have suicide prevention for experts for ALL who need help. No matter who you are. Stop dividing this country. This is a disgrace that you are politicizing such a sensitive issue.” Some argued this was “wasteful funding” while others noted how suicide prevention should be available for anyone and not be based on an ideology or single people group.

Adding to the criticism was the Center for American Liberty, which condemned the recently signed law. CEO Mark Trammell wrote on X, “This isn’t about saving lives. It is about pushing kids into a radical gender cult behind parents backs.” He elaborated in a statement, which emphasized how AB 727 “forces every California student ID to promote The Trevor Project — an activist group known for encouraging children to question their gender without parental knowledge or consent.” He continued, “This law isn’t about compassion; it’s about control. California has once again cut parents out of the most personal and life-altering decisions a child can face.”

Trammell further highlighted that while “Europe is reversing course on experimental ‘gender-affirming’ procedures for minors, California doubles down on ideology over evidence — endangering children and undermining families.” As he concluded, “The Center for American Liberty will continue to stand up for parents, defend children, and fight for truth — because real compassion means telling the truth, not hiding it.”