03-04-2025
California lawmakers reject bill banning transgender athletes from playing in girls' sports
California lawmakers rejected a bill that would have banned transgender women and girl athletes from participating in girls and women's sports on Tuesday, April 1.
Assembly Bill 89, introduced by Assemblymember Kate Sanchez, a Republican who represents the state's 71st assembly district, sought to require that the California Interscholastic Federation prohibit athletes whose sex was assigned male at birth from participating on girls or women's sports teams. The federation governs high school sports in California.
The bill failed to pass out of the Assembly's Arts, Entertainment, Sports, and Tourism Committee, although Democrats' supermajority in both houses of the state legislature means the bill 'had no chance of passing,' SF Gate reported.
'This year, we've seen a number of bills that are particularly targeting to spotlight, target and repeal the rights of transgender individuals and standards that have been in some place for some time without much notice until recent,' said Assemblymember Christopher M. Ward, committee chair and a Democrat. 'This bill, AB 89, is one of those bills.'
However, Sanchez — who said the bill was not a ban — described it as protecting the health and wellbeing of women and girls.
'Let's be clear. It is not about hate. It is not about fear. And it's not right-wing talking points,' Sanchez said. 'This is entirely about fairness, safety and integrity in girls competitive high school athletics.
Sanchez pointed toward Gov. Gavin Newsom's recent comments on transgender women and girls competing in women's and girl's sports. During a conversation with conservative activist and media personality Charlie Kirk, Newsom said he thought the issue of fairness on the topic is 'legit,' sparking criticism among party members and LGBTQ+ advocate organizations.
Dozens of people demonstrated both support and opposition of the bill during public comment, and some assemblymembers cited concerns over the potential harm this bill would have to transgender children — who face higher rates of suicide and suicidal thoughts, USA TODAY reported — as well as the lack of clear data that suggests transgender female athletes are causing harm, either physically or by taking away opportunities, to their cisgender female peers.
The blockage of this bill comes nearly two months after President Donald Trump signed an executive order barring transgender women and girls from playing women's sports, USA TODAY reported.
Paris Barraza is a trending reporter covering California news at The Desert Sun. Reach her at pbarraza@
Assembly Bill 89, introduced by Assemblymember Kate Sanchez, a Republican who represents the state's 71st assembly district, sought to require that the California Interscholastic Federation prohibit athletes whose sex was assigned male at birth from participating on girls or women's sports teams. The federation governs high school sports in California.
The bill failed to pass out of the Assembly's Arts, Entertainment, Sports, and Tourism Committee, although Democrats' supermajority in both houses of the state legislature means the bill 'had no chance of passing,' SF Gate reported.
'This year, we've seen a number of bills that are particularly targeting to spotlight, target and repeal the rights of transgender individuals and standards that have been in some place for some time without much notice until recent,' said Assemblymember Christopher M. Ward, committee chair and a Democrat. 'This bill, AB 89, is one of those bills.'
However, Sanchez — who said the bill was not a ban — described it as protecting the health and wellbeing of girls.
'Let's be clear. It is not about hate. It is not about fear. And it's not right-wing talking points,' Sanchez said. 'This is entirely about fairness, safety and integrity in girls competitive high school athletics.
Sanchez pointed toward Gov. Gavin Newsom's recent comments on transgender athletes competing in women's sports while describing those who are in support of the bill. During a conversation with conservative activist and media personality Charlie Kirk, Newsom said he thought the issue of fairness on the topic is 'legit,' sparking criticism among party members and LGBTQ+ advocate organizations.
Dozens of people demonstrated both support and opposition of the bill during public comment, and some assemblymembers cited concerns over the potential harm this bill would have to transgender children — who face higher rates of suicide and suicidal thoughts, USA TODAY reported — as well as the lack of clear data that suggests transgender female athletes are causing harm, either physically or by taking away opportunities, to their cisgender female peers.
The blockage of this bill comes nearly two months after President Donald Trump signed an executive order barring transgender women and girls from playing women's sports, USA TODAY reported.
Paris Barraza is a trending reporter covering California news at The Desert Sun. Reach her at pbarraza@
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: California bill banning transgender girls from girls' sports fails
