California lawmakers decided against two bills. These were aimed at banning transgender athletes from participating in women’s sports. Also, the decision came from the Assembly’s Committee on Arts, Entertainment, Sports, and Tourism. This group is made up mostly of Democratic lawmakers. Thus, they rejected the proposal after a long and elaborate discussion. Continue reading to learn more about how the California Assembly Committee rejected bills on transgender athlete participation.
The Proposed Bills in California Assembly
One of the rejected bills requires the California Interscholastic Federation to create rules. These are banning students assigned as male at birth from joining girls’ school sports teams. The second bill aimed to reverse a 2013 law that allows transgender students to compete in sports. Also, they can use facilities matching their gender identity. This would have affected students in K-12 schools and colleges.
These proposals faced strong opposition from many lawmakers. The discussions happened just after Transgender Day of Visibility. They were especially timely given recent comments from Governor Gavin Newsom. He suggested that transgender athletes should not compete in women’s sports.
Education Secretary Linda McMahon urged Newsom to clarify his stance on transgender athlete participation. Thus, she wrote a letter requesting that he protect female spaces. Also, she urged him to inform parents about gender identity issues.
Also read: Elon Musk Demands Arrest of “Fake” NGO Leaders
Assembly member Kate Sanchez authored the bill that aimed to restrict transgender athletes. This is from playing on girls’ and women’s teams. After the rejection of her bill, she voiced her disappointment on social media. Also, she argued that the California Democrats do not care about the integrity of women’s sports.
Arguments From Supporters and Opponents
Democratic Assembly member Chris Ward leads the legislative LGBTQ+ caucus. He spoke strongly against the bills. Also, he argued that the bills attacked the rights of transgender youth. Moreover, he mentioned that asking girls to prove their sex for participation in sports was intrusive. He stated that he does not believe that anyone should be gender policing women and girls.
Bill Essayli, a Republican member of the Assembly, wrote one of the legislations. He stated that the proposal is about fairness. Moreover, he added that biology is important. He believes that one of the areas where that fact is most evident is in sports.
Taylor Starling, a high school athlete, expressed her worries. She claimed a transgender runner took her spot on the varsity cross-country team. Thus, she argued that a ban would help protect women’s sports. This would ensure a fair playing field for female athletes.
Advocacy for Transgender Rights
Many advocates for LGBTQ+ rights responded to the rejection of the bills. This is in support of transgender youth. Parents of transgender children showed the importance of supporting their children’s rights in sports and facilities. Moreover, Cati Johnson, a parent of transgender girl, expressed that banning transgender students from facilities sends a harmful message. Also, she mentioned that the ban declares the message that the girl is not welcomed as her authentic self.
According to the Williams Institute, there are more than 49,000 transgender youth. They are aged between 13 to 17 in California. Thus, advocates argue that most transgender girls compete without harming girls’ sports. Elana Redfield from the institute noted that current laws seem driven by anti-transgender bias.
National Context
California is not alone in this debate. Atleast 24 states have laws that restrict transgender women and girls from participating in certain sports. Also, some bans face legal challenges. This is because courts have temporarily blocked similar regulations in states like Arizona and Idaho.
The federal government has taken notice as well. President Donald Trump signed an executive order aimed at barring transgender athletes. This is from competing in women’s sports. Also, this growing national conversation has made the issue even more contentious.
