Federal appeals court blocks California policy on student gender transitions

A federal appeals court on Friday blocked enforcement of a California law that prevents school employees from informing parents when their children use different names or pronouns at school. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit panel ruled that the policy, known as AB 1955, likely violates parents' constitutional rights.

The decision grants an injunction requested by the city of Huntington Beach and a group of parents while litigation continues.

Court cites earlier ruling The panel relied on a March Supreme Court order in a related case that blocked a comparable policy. That order referenced a 2025 Supreme Court decision holding that parents have the right to opt their children out of certain school materials.

The March order stated that parents hold primary authority over the upbringing and education of children and that this authority includes participation in decisions about their children's mental health.

Background of the case The city and parents argued that the California policy prevents schools from disclosing information even when parents request it. They said the law produces the same effect as policies already blocked by the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court declined to add two similar cases to its argument calendar earlier this year.

The court is expected to consider the issue again in a future term.