Hate speech

California Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed AB 1803, a law requiring all employers with five or more workers—including churches and religious nonprofits—to provide "anti-hate speech" training starting January 1, 2028. The law directs the state's Civil Rights Department to define what constitutes speech that "vilifies, humiliates, or incites hatred" based on protected characteristics such as sex, gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation, but does not itself define these terms.

Critics, including the California Family Council, argue the measure fails to exempt religious organizations' First Amendment rights and could compel churches to adopt messaging conflicting with biblical teachings on sexuality and marriage. The requirement builds on existing sexual harassment training rules, which California has already interpreted to classify misgendering as harassment. Employers may use the state's free curriculum or develop their own training. Opponents are urging religious organizations to seek faith-based accommodations and are preparing legal pushback ahead of the law's implementation.