Imperial County board of supervisors Approves Resolution Opposing AB 1955 Amidst Heated Debate Over Parental Rights and LGBTQ+ Protections

The implementation of Assembly Bill 1955, a new law set to take effect on January 1, 2025, has ignited heated debate across Imperial County. The bill, passed in July 2024, is designed to enhance protections for LGBTQ+ students, granting them privacy in matters relating to gender identity and expression. However, the legislation has sparked concerns among some community members, who argue it erodes parental rights and could create barriers between families and schools.

At a recent meeting of the Imperial County Board of Supervisors, passionate voices from both sides of the issue shared their views on the implications of the bill. Southwest High School student Benjamin Gonzalez spoke in favor of the legislation, emphasizing its importance in combatting discrimination. “Without the existence of this law, bullying, hatred, and discrimination go unchecked,” Gonzalez stated, suggesting that the protections offered by AB 1955 are necessary for the safety and well-being of LGBTQ+ youth.

However, critics of the bill voiced strong opposition, framing it as an intrusion on parental rights. Wally Leimgruber, a community member, described the legislation as an “anti-family bill,” asserting, “Parents do not want to have the government raise their children.” His sentiment was echoed by Rachel Mangos, Executive Director of the Imperial County Farm Bureau, who also spoke as a parent. “On behalf of myself as a parent of three children and as the executive director of the Imperial County Farm Bureau, I’d like to express our support for this resolution and thank this board for taking a stance. Myself and the industry I represent believe in families, faith, and supporting future generations. AB 1955 goes against all of these things, so thank you for bringing these issues to light and supporting parental rights,” Mangos remarked.

A. Timothy Lozano added to the criticism, arguing that the bill isolates children from their families by “creating a wall between parents and teachers.” He contended that the law prevents effective communication between schools and parents, thus limiting the support available to students struggling with gender dysphoria. “Governments should not impose walls preventing schools, principals, and teachers from communicating with parents,” he said, suggesting that there may be a better approach to addressing gender dysphoria.

Some speakers focused on the potential mental health implications for children and the need for alternatives to medical interventions. Marty Ellen, in a public comment, called for a compassionate approach to supporting young people dealing with gender identity issues. “We need to have compassion for young people who are confused. They need help; they don’t need hormones. They need real help and real counseling,” Ellen stated.

Rosa Diaz, founder and director of the LGBTQ Resource Center, presented a different perspective, highlighting the experiences of youth who have faced family rejection. “In the 10 years that I’ve been working with the LGBTQ population of Imperial County, some of them have run away from home and came to our center seeking safety,” Diaz explained. She noted that, despite fears about family responses, “100% of the time, when we asked them, ‘Do you want to go home or do you want me to call Child Protective Services?’ 100% of the time they want to go home.” Diaz argued that even if children fear their parents’ conservative views, they still value their family connections.

The discussion extended to local government officials, who expressed varying opinions on the legislation. District 4 Council Member Ryan E. Kelly criticized the perceived separation of families and schools. “A family being isolated from the school district and not being brought into the conversation is a bridge too far,” Kelly said, emphasizing the importance of parental involvement.

Meanwhile, supervisor Jesus Escobar called for realistic expectations when addressing gender identity in schools. “As responsible parents, each and every one of us should know what our kids are doing… and if we cannot recognize that John is acting like Jane or Jane is acting like John, shame on us, not on them,” Escobar remarked. He dismissed some arguments surrounding the bill as misguided, adding, “Being gay because you’re autistic, give me a break, that is a joke… we need to be realistic about what we’re doing and how we’re doing it.”

The board ultimately approved a resolution related to Assembly Bill 1955 by a three-to-one vote, signaling a contentious path forward as the law’s implementation date approaches. The debate in Imperial County reflects broader national discussions about balancing LGBTQ+ protections with parental rights, and whether policies like AB 1955 help or hinder efforts to support young people navigating gender identity.