SANTA ANA, Calif. (NEWSnet/AP) — A judge on Wednesday halted a Southern California school district from requiring parents to be notified if their children change their gender identification or pronouns at school.

San Bernardino County Superior Court Judge Thomas S. Garza made the ruling. California Attorney General Rob Bonta had sued Chino Valley Unified School District for adopting a policy requiring schools to tell parents if a child changes pronoun or uses a restroom of a gender other than what is listed on official paperwork.

“Today’s decision by the San Bernardino Superior Court rightfully upholds the state rights of our LGBTQ+ students and protects kids from harm by immediately halting the board’s forced outing policy,” Attorney General Rob Bonta said.

Garza’s order halts the district’s policy while Bonta’s lawsuit continues.

At a court hearing Wednesday, Garza raised questions about why the policy arose and how it protects students.

The next court hearing is scheduled for Oct. 13.

Bonta argues the policy forcibly “outs” transgender students, in violation of their privacy rights. Chino Valley contends the policy seeks to involve parents so they can provide support their children need.

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