An existing LocalStyleChange on parent should not inhibit forward/backward rule update on children. On success, you will see a series of "PASS" messages, followed by "TEST COMPLETE". PASS getComputedStyle(inner).color is "rgb(255, 255, 255)" PASS getComputedStyle(inner).color is "rgb(0, 128, 0)" PASS successfullyParsed is true TEST COMPLETE You should see a green square below, and no FAIL. FAIL