Proposed bill to require gender-neutral sections in certain stores

A new bill in California is putting gender neutrality in the spotlight.

Introduced last week, the bill, Assembly Bill 2826  CA AB2826 (19R), would require department stores (with more than 500 employees) that sell children’s clothing and shoes, toys and other childcare items to include to maintain gender-neutral areas where all products are displayed. It would take effect starting in 2023 and carry a fine of $1,000. 

“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 bill reads. 

California lawmakers this year will also consider a bill that would make it illegal to charge extra for toys or other items marketed to girls and women, a practice which critics have described as "the pink tax."