What makes this law particularly controversial is the enforcement mechanism. Shoppers are encouraged to document and report violations by taking photos and filing complaints online. This reliance on consumer reporting has led some critics to label the law as overly intrusive.
“Asking holiday shoppers to spy on stores is peak authoritarian absurdity,” argued one detractor, calling out what they see as misplaced priorities in California’s legal system. “Thieves get a pass, but businesses are punished for not being woke enough.”
On the flip side, proponents argue that such measures are necessary to hold corporations accountable. They point to the positive ripple effects of removing gendered stereotypes, emphasizing how small changes can influence societal norms over time.
The Broader Context
This law isn’t just about toys and gender roles. It’s part of a broader push to reshape how businesses operate, especially in an era when consumer expectations and legal obligations are evolving. For example, Senate Bill 478, effective since July, bans misleading price advertisements that exclude hidden fees.
