Senator Wiener’s Bill To Protect LGBTQ Foster Youth Passes Senate Human Services Committee

SACRAMENTO – The Senate Human Services Committee passed Senator Scott Wiener’s (D-San Francisco) bill SB 407, which helps ensure LGBTQ foster youth are not placed in hostile foster homes. SB 407 passed 3-0 and heads next to the Judiciary Committee. 

“LGBTQ youth are being scapegoated and attacked across the country, and I’m incredibly proud that my colleagues chose to advance this vital protection for the most marginalized LGBTQ youth,” said Senator Wiener. “The foster care system can’t be sure if or when a particular child will ever come out as LGBTQ, but we can ensure that all foster homes are affirming of the kids that do. These are among the most at-risk children in our society, and we have a moral obligation to make sure they are safe and affirmed at home.”

More than 30% of foster youth identify as LGBTQ. Anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation - which already afflicted LGBTQ youth disproportionately - are on the rise amid a nationwide onslaught of attacks on LGBTQ youth’s rights. Over 400 anti-LGBTQ bills have been filed in states across the country this year alone, and LGBTQ youth are exposed to the bigotry behind them via social media.

SB 407 is sponsored by Equality California and the California Alliance of Child and Family Services. Read more about SB 407 here.