January 2024: Gender-neutral sections will be mandatory for several stores in California

Some stores in California only have a few weeks until the end of the year to set up a gender-neutral section for children or they could face a fine of up to 500 dollars, according to a bill signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom in 2021.

The bill goes into effect on January 1, 2024, and states that non-compliant businesses may be subject to a civil penalty of a maximum of $250 for the first violation and $500 for each subsequent violation.

The legislation affects "a retail department store that is physically located in California that has a total of 500 or more employees across all California retail department store locations that sells childcare items or toys."

The law requires retail stores in California to set up a gender-neutral section for children.

"My hope is this bill encourages more businesses across California and the U.S. to avoid reinforcing harmful and outdated stereotypes," California Democratic Congressman Evan Low told the Associated Press, adding that he was "incredibly grateful" to receive Newsom's signature.

Source: www.newsweek.com