Take ACTION by contacting your State Legislators and encouraging them to enact SB 497, a bill that would protect transgender Californians from investigations or legal threats originating in states where their care is criminalized.
- Find your California Assembly Member and Senator!
Sample script:
Hello, my name is [Your Name], and I’m calling from the Jewish Center for Justice to urge [Assembly Member or Senator’s Name] to support SB 497.
This bill would protect transgender and nonbinary Californians, as well as those seeking gender-affirming healthcare, by strengthening safeguards around sensitive health data. It closes loopholes in California’s prescription system and ensures that no personal medical information is shared with states that have opposite views, and expands the safety protections for patients, their families, and medical professionals, shielding them from harassment, violence, and legal retaliation both within and outside of California.
As a Californian, I believe in the fundamental right to privacy and access to essential healthcare. SB 497 also aligns with the values of our Jewish tradition, which teaches the principle of Pikuach Nefesh, that all people deserve access to safe, affirming healthcare.
I urge [Assembly Member or Senator’s name] to support SB 497 and help create a safer, more inclusive California for all. Thank you.
What is JCJ advocating for?
SB 497 would:
- Limit the sharing of sensitive patient data related to these services.
- Expand safe-haven protections for patients, their families, and medical professionals.
- Shield providers and patients from harassment, violence, and hostile out-of-state actor.
Why do we support it?
The Jewish Center for Justice believes in the inherent dignity and equality of every individual, as reflected in the teaching that all humans are created with Kavod HaBriyot – Every person deserves to live with dignity and be treated with respect by this principle, we stand firmly in support of SB 497, legislation that safeguards the rights and privacy of LGBTQ+ reproductive healthcare patients in California.
Read more about our position on LGBTQ+ rights.
Additional Resources: