California’s New Hate Speech Instruction Faces Pushback

Christian groups and churches in California are voicing opposition to a new law mandating “anti-hate speech” instruction in workplace harassment training. They argue the legislation imposes a government-endorsed perspective on sexual orientation and gender identity.

Assembly Bill 1803, signed by Governor Gavin Newsom, will be effective from January 1, 2028. It requires employers with five or more employees to integrate additional training on identifying speech that vilifies or incites hate based on protected characteristics, including sexual orientation and gender identity.

Traditional Christian churches, which interpret biblical teachings as opposing homosexual acts or same-sex relationships, are not exempt from these training requirements.

“California has gotten excited about their ability to retrain the entire population regarding what they believe about gender and sexual orientation,” said Greg Burt, Vice President of the California Family Council.

Burt, along with several pastors, expressed concerns that Christian teachings on sexuality, marriage, and gender might clash with workplace interpretations of hate speech.

The California Family Council asserts that the curriculum developed by California’s Civil Rights Department specifically targets conservative viewpoints.

Dr. Paul Chappell of Lancaster Baptist Church criticized AB 1803 as poorly written and biased, aiming to marginalize conservative beliefs.

“You cannot regulate what you cannot define,” Burt argued during a legislative hearing. He highlighted the ambiguity surrounding definitions of discrimination and harassment related to gender identity and sexual orientation, prompting the creation of the new training module.

The law does not create separate training sessions, instead integrating new material into existing programs. The curriculum defines “gender identity” broadly, including nonbinary identities.

Burt warned of the expansive government definition of “hate,” which could target religious beliefs. He noted that the legislation does not explicitly protect matters of conscience.

The training extends beyond private-sector employees to public school teachers and workers in state-licensed industries. Employers may face legal challenges over disciplining employees based on their religious beliefs.

Equality California supports the legislation, citing a significant gap in existing harassment training that exposes employees to hostile environments.

Pastor Jack Hibbs of Calvary Chapel Chino Hills strongly criticized the measure as an infringement on church autonomy. He accused the California legislature of trying to control church conduct under the guise of hate speech regulations.

As tensions rise, religious leaders vow to challenge the legislation they view as intrusive and unacceptable.