At the onset of 2024, several Democrat-led states, including California, Michigan, Illinois, Washington, and Colorado, are implementing a range of progressive laws that address various cultural and political issues. These laws encompass LGBTQ issues, environmental regulations, gun rights, and expanded protections for illegal aliens.
In California, a controversial law effective January 1 requires major retailers to sell “gender-neutral” children’s toys or face penalties. Republican California Sen. Melissa Melendez criticized the move, stating, “Let retailers decide what’s best for their customers and what their clientele want.” Another California law bans the sale of gas-powered lawnmowers and yard care equipment, sparking concerns about the impact on workers and the viability of electric alternatives. This aligns with California’s broader initiative to transition to green energy, aiming for complete reliance on it by 2045.
Additionally, California is set to enact a law preventing employers from questioning employees about marijuana consumption outside the workplace, aiming to protect workers from discrimination based on cannabis use.
Michigan is expanding its civil rights act to include protection against discrimination based on “gender identity.” The state’s Supreme Court ruling mandates the use of “preferred pronouns” in courtrooms starting January 1. Michigan is also implementing new restrictions on gun rights, such as expanded background checks and “red flag” policies allowing courts to remove guns from individuals deemed a safety risk.
Illinois is introducing a law allowing non-citizens, including those under green card status and DACA recipients, to become police officers and sheriffs. The state also requires landlords to rent or sell property to noncitizens and illegal aliens. In an unprecedented move, Illinois will cut state funding to public and school libraries that ban books for political reasons, including those promoting LGBTQ+ ideology.
Colorado is following the trend of banning certain single-use plastics, such as plastic bags, Styrofoam cups, and takeout containers. The Colorado House GOP criticized this move as an “anti-business attack” affecting the restaurant industry, schools, and families.
In Washington state, new restrictions on gun laws will require potential buyers to wait 10 days before purchasing any class of firearm. Similar to California, Washington is banning employers from inquiring about cannabis use or penalizing employees based on positive test results.
While these laws reflect the priorities of Democrat-led states, they have sparked criticism from various quarters, with concerns ranging from individual freedoms to the economic impact on businesses and workers. The ongoing debate underscores the ideological divide over issues such as environmental regulations, social equality, and the balance between individual rights and government intervention.