California legislators have opted not to alter state rules that permit transgender youth to participate in sports teams that align with their gender identity. This decision comes amid ongoing national discussions about the involvement of transgender young people in athletics. Democratic members of the state Assembly’s Committee on Arts, Entertainment, Sports, and Tourism vetoed two Republican proposals after extended, passionate debates.
One proposal aimed to compel the California Interscholastic Federation, which governs high school sports, to restrict students assigned male at birth from joining girls’ sports teams. The second proposal sought to overturn a 2013 law that allows students to partake in sex-segregated activities, including sports teams, based on their gender identity, applicable to both K-12 and college students.
This decision followed the observance of Transgender Day of Visibility and coincided with reactions to remarks by Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom, who previously suggested it might be unjust for transgender athletes to compete in girls’ sports.
Chris Ward, a Democratic Assemblymember leading the legislative LGBTQ+ caucus and chair of the committee, argued that these bills represented a wider attack on the rights of transgender youth. He highlighted that such policies might also infringe upon the privacy of cisgender girls, who may face demands for proof of their sex.
“I don’t think anybody should be gender policing women and girls,” said Ward.
In contrast, Republican Assemblymember Bill Essayli, the proponent of reversing the 2013 law, argued that the bill centered on fairness. “Biology matters,” he stated, emphasizing that sports is an area where these biological differences are notably evident.
Taylor Starling, a student-athlete from Riverside, voiced concerns that a transgender runner’s inclusion on her high school’s varsity cross country team denied her a deserved spot. She argued that such a ban would ensure fairness for female athletes.
However, LGBTQ+ supporters and parents of transgender youths urged lawmakers to stand by trans children, not only in athletics but in broader contexts.
Cati Johnson, a mother of a transgender middle school girl, stressed the importance of sustaining rights like using facilities corresponding with their gender identity. “The facilities ban really sends the message that she is not welcome as her authentic self,” Johnson said, referencing her daughter’s situation.
According to estimates by the Williams Institute at UCLA, there are over 49,000 transgender youths aged 13 to 17 in California. “Although we hear a few high-profile stories of trans girls in sports, there’s no substantial evidence suggesting their participation is unjust or harmful,” expressed Elana Redfield, the institute’s federal policy director. She believes that these legislative efforts mainly stem from biases against transgender individuals.
Nationwide, at least 24 states have enacted laws that restrict transgender women and girls from participating in specific female sports events. However, in places like Arizona, Idaho, and Utah, judges have temporarily halted these bans. Furthermore, students have contested such restrictions in New Hampshire and West Virginia with successful outcomes.
On a federal level, former President Donald Trump signed an executive order recently aimed at preventing transgender athletes from engaging in female sports. Moreover, some states have outlawed gender-affirming healthcare and mandated that schools disclose gender identity information to parents without the student’s approval.
Essayli and his supporters frequently referenced Governor Newsom’s podcast remarks. Despite stirring controversy, Newsom has maintained his stance, acknowledging the distress caused to some yet standing firm on his position.
Education Secretary Linda McMahon addressed a letter to Newsom seeking clarity on his views following his statements. Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of Education has initiated an investigation into a state law prohibiting school districts from mandating that educators notify parents if a student changes gender identity at school.