California's Assembly is slated to consider a new bill requiring department store childrens' sections to be largely "Gender-neutral" in order to combat "Prejudice" and "Judgment" against gender non-conforming children.
"Keeping similar items that are traditionally marketed either for girls or for boys separated makes it more difficult for the consumer to compare the products and incorrectly implies that their use by one gender is inappropriate," the text of the bill notes.
Last year after Lowe pulled the first version of the bill, he said he was determined to push forward with the issue a second time because "The policy behind this bill is not only important in regards to addressing perceived societal norms but also ensuring that prejudice and judgment does not play a prominent role in our children's lives."
"The bill comes amid a growing backlash to gender-specific toys and clothing. Groups such as the international Let Toys Be Toys campaign argue that such merchandise perpetuates entrenched gender stereotypes and can make children feel shame if they don't conform to them," Politico said.
Libertarian-leaning outlet Reason Magazine noted that, although the trend may be towards more gender-neutral displays, the new bill would rob retailers of agency in selecting that option for themselves.
As Target noted when it made its decision, not every toy or item of clothing can be classified as "Gender-neutral" because there are "Fit and sizing differences" that make full gender neutrality in a retail environment difficult.
The bill would certainly have economic consequences - stores would have to spend money to update their displays to come into compliance with the new regulations - and, Reason points out, there could be First Amendment issues as well.
Thursday, February 25, 2021
California Bill Requires 'Gender Neutral' Stores, Fines Retailers $1000 For Having Separate 'Boy' And 'Girl' Toy Departments
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment