Conservative Christian groups claim California's new anti-hate speech rule forces religious indoctrination
Christian leaders warn that California's AB 1803, which adds anti-hate speech modules to workplace harassment training, could compel churches to teach government-approved views on gender and sexuality.
Assembly Bill 1803, enacted by Governor Gavin Newsom, will obligate employers with five or more employees to embed anti-hate speech content into existing harassment training by Jan. 1, 2028. The rule targets speech that humiliates or incites hatred based on protected traits like sexual orientation and gender identity. Christian groups, including the California Family Council and pastors such as Greg Burt, Paul Chappell, and Jack Hibbs, argue the law forces churches to adopt a state-sanctioned stance on gender and sexuality, noting the absence of a conscience exemption.
They contend the bill's reliance on an undefined "hate speech" concept could lead to disciplinary actions against religious beliefs and trigger litigation. Equality California, a leading LGBTQ advocacy group, backs the legislation, saying current training leaves workers vulnerable to hostile environments. The new curriculum, posted by the California Civil Rights Department, defines gender identity broadly, encompassing nonbinary and other self-identified categories.
Why it matters
The law could reshape workplace training and affect religious expression for thousands of California employers.
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