Republican Bill Would Ban Transgender Girls from High School Sports in California
Bill Seeks to Restrict Transgender Athletes from Competing in Girls’ Sports Teams
On the first day of the California Legislature’s new session, Assemblymember Kate Sanchez, an Orange County Republican, introduced a bill that would ban transgender high school students from competing on girls’ sports teams.
Bill Introduced Amid Ongoing Debate on Transgender Rights
“Young women who have spent years training, sacrificing and earning their place to compete at the highest level are now being forced to compete against individuals with undeniable biological advantages,” Sanchez, of Rancho Santa Margarita, said in a video posted to social media.
“It’s not just unfair,” she added. “It’s disheartening and dangerous.”
Sanchez’s proposed law, called the Protect Girls’ Sports Act, is almost certain to fail in a Legislature controlled by a Democratic supermajority with a record of embracing inclusion for LGBTQ+ Californians.
Bill Critics Label It a “Political Stunt” and an “Attack” on Transgender Youth
Sacramento Democrats have blasted Sanchez’s bill as a political stunt, saying it is an unnecessary attack against transgender youth, who make up a tiny portion of California’s school-age population.
Opponents Say the Bill Will Have Devastating Consequences for Transgender Youth
Assemblymember Chris Ward, chair of the California Legislative LGBTQ Caucus, said in a statement that the caucus, whose members are all Democrats, “will not stand by as anyone attempts to use kids as political pawns.”
“Attacking kids is a failed 2024 issue,” said Ward (D-San Diego). “We are surprised the Assembly member introduced her first bill targeting a very small, vulnerable population of kids rather than using the opportunity to address key issues of affordability, housing and more that are impacting Californians.”
Public Opinion on Transgender Athletes Competing in Girls’ Sports Remains Divided
The Williams Institute at UCLA School of Law, which researches public policy around sexual orientation and gender identity, estimates that about 1.4% of American teenagers ages 13-17 — about 300,000 individuals nationwide — identify as transgender. Fewer play sports.
California Education Code Currently Protects Transgender Students’ Rights
California education code explicitly says students must be allowed to participate in sex-segregated school programs and activities, including team sports, and must be permitted to use restrooms and locker rooms consistent with their gender identity. Then-Gov. Jerry Brown signed those rights into law in 2013.
Conclusion
The Protect Girls’ Sports Act is a divisive bill that is likely to face significant opposition in the California Legislature. While proponents argue it will protect the integrity of girls’ sports, opponents claim it is an attack on transgender youth. The bill’s fate will ultimately depend on the opinions of lawmakers and the public’s perception of the issue.
FAQs
Q: What does the Protect Girls’ Sports Act do?
A: The bill would ban transgender high school students from competing on girls’ sports teams.
Q: What is the estimated number of transgender teenagers in the United States?
A: The Williams Institute estimates that about 1.4% of American teenagers ages 13-17 — about 300,000 individuals nationwide — identify as transgender.
Q: What does California education code say about transgender students’ rights?
A: California education code explicitly says students must be allowed to participate in sex-segregated school programs and activities, including team sports, and must be permitted to use restrooms and locker rooms consistent with their gender identity.
Q: Will the bill be effective in addressing the issue of transgender athletes competing in girls’ sports?
A: The bill’s effectiveness is uncertain, as it is likely to face significant opposition in the California Legislature and may be overturned in court.
