Hearing Scheduled for California Legislation Prohibiting Transgender Athletes in Girls’ Sports
The Assembly bill is scheduled for discussion on April 1. A comparable federal initiative failed to advance in the U.S. Senate earlier this month.
A proposed California law aiming to ban transgender athletes from participating in girls’ sports has been assigned a hearing date.
The Assembly’s Arts, Entertainment, Sports, and Tourism Committee will hold the hearing for AB89, known as the Protect Girl’s Sports Act, on April 1.
This legislation mandates that the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) amend its constitution, bylaws, and policies to prohibit any pupil identified as male at birth from joining a girls’ interscholastic sports team.
Assemblywoman Kate Sanchez (R-Rancho Santa Margarita), who introduced the measure, contends that it will restore fairness and safety to girls’ sports by preventing biological males from competing.
She expressed that the essence of fairness in women’s sports is under threat.
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“Allowing biological men to compete in women’s sports creates an inherently unfair environment. Young women, who dedicate years to training and earning their spot to compete at the highest level, are now compelled to face individuals possessing undeniable biological advantages.”
“This goes beyond just unfairness; it’s both disheartening and unsafe,” Sanchez stated. “For girls, it’s not solely about competition—it concerns safety. Be it in contact sports, locker rooms, or shared facilities, these policies jeopardize our daughters. We cannot overlook the physical and emotional impacts they endure.”
California Governor Gavin Newsom commented on the matter during the inaugural episode of his podcast, expressing agreement with conservative activist Charlie Kirk that the inclusion of transgender girls in female sports is unjust. The governor admitted that Republicans have effectively leveraged the topic against his party.
“I believe this is fundamentally a matter of fairness. I completely align with you on this. It’s an issue of fairness. It’s profoundly unfair,” Newsom acknowledged. “I’m not grappling with the fairness issue; I fully concur.”
State Rep. Kevin Kiley (R-Roseburg), who represents a considerable area of California along the Nevada border, expressed skepticism regarding the governor’s stance.
Transgender rights advocates protest an Our Bodies, Our Sports rally at the Freedom Plaza in Washington, D.C., on June 23, 2022.Terri Wu/The Epoch Times
Former President Donald Trump has threatened to cut federal funding for states that allow biological males to compete against girls and women. He signed an executive order on February 6 that aims to ensure a safe and equitable sports environment for women and girls.
In his order, Trump cites Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972, stating that entities receiving federal funding cannot deny women equal opportunities to participate in sports.
“Moreover, it is the policy of the United States to oppose male participation in women’s sports more broadly, rooted in safety, fairness, dignity, and truth.”
