On October 12th of this year, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed bill AB44, which effectively bans the distribution and sale of animal fur in the entire state.
Newsom referred to the bill as "One of the strongest animal rights laws in US History," as California is officially the first US state to ban the sale of animal fur.
AB44 was authored by state assembly maker Laura Friedman. The ban applies to all new clothing, including handbags, coats, shoes, and anything else made with real animal fur.
However, the ban does allow for some exemptions.
It will still be legal to sell taxidermy products. Other materials exempt from the ban are leather, cowhide, and shearling.
Real animal fur used for religious or spiritual purposes by Native American tribes is also exempt from the ban.
"Today CA made history," Friedman tweeted out, "#AB44 was signed into law! After decades of efforts from animal welfare advocates, we are now the first state in the nation to ban fur."
"Now for other states to follow in our legacy," she continued.
PETA also praised the bill in a statement of their own:
Today is a historic day for animals in California, including those who have been whipped into performing in circuses or skinned alive for their fur or skin. PETA is proud to have worked with compassionate legislators to push these lifesaving laws forward and looks to other states to follow California's progressive lead.
The ban officially comes into effect on January 1st, 2023.
h/t: CNN
