CA AB2014

Requires courts in criminal proceedings to apply heightened scrutiny when a party seeks to admit evidence or arguments likely to trigger gender-based stereotypes, weighing probative value against potential prejudice

Defines gender-biased evidence to include information about sexual activity, sexual orientation, reproductive choices, clothing, sexually suggestive images, parenting expectations, and appeals to "woman's nature" or emotional disposition

Mandates that admissibility determinations be made outside the jury's presence, with the court stating its ruling and reasoning on the record

Allows courts to consider credible testimony or research demonstrating that evidence risks introducing gender bias, as well as rebuttal evidence

Creates a new basis for habeas corpus petitions when gender-biased evidence or argument was admitted at trial and created a reasonable probability of a different outcome