The California State Assembly is preparing to hold public hearings on two highly controversial pieces of legislation—Assembly Bill 89 (AB 89) and Assembly Bill 844 (AB 844)—which aim to ban transgender athletes from participating in girls’ and women’s sports. The hearings are scheduled for April 1 at 9 a.m. before the Assembly’s Arts, Entertainment, Sports, and Tourism Committee.
AB 89, introduced by Republican Assembly Member Kate Sanchez, who represents Southern California’s 71st Assembly District, proposes to prohibit transgender athletes from competing in girls’ high school sports. Sanchez argues that the bill is rooted in preserving fairness and physical safety in competitive athletics, stating on social media that “young girls who have spent years training, sacrificing, and earning their place are being forced to compete against biological men who have undeniable biological advantages.”
AB 844, authored by Republican Assembly Member Bill Essayli, expands the proposed restrictions to include all levels of education—from elementary through college. The bill seeks to ensure that only individuals assigned female at birth can compete in girls’ and women’s sports, with Essayli claiming the measure is needed to preserve the integrity and opportunities created by Title IX.
The debate in California mirrors a broader national discussion about the participation of transgender athletes in sports, an issue that has become increasingly politicized in recent years. More than 20 states have already passed similar laws restricting transgender athletes’ participation in youth or collegiate sports.
The issue has taken on new momentum in California after Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom appeared to express support for the underlying concerns of the bills. On his recent podcast, This is Gavin Newsom, the governor stated that it is “deeply unfair” for transgender athletes to compete in girls’ sports. His remarks came during an interview with conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, and though Newsom did not directly endorse the bills, his comments surprised many in the LGBTQ+ advocacy community and triggered criticism from fellow Democrats.
LGBTQ+ rights organizations and civil liberties groups strongly oppose both bills, arguing that the proposed legislation is discriminatory and runs contrary to California’s long-standing protections for gender identity. Opponents also warn that such laws may exacerbate mental health challenges for transgender youth, while limiting their access to athletic communities that often provide support and belonging.
Supporters of the bills contend that the legislation is not about discrimination but fairness—particularly in high-stakes competitive sports where scholarships, recognition, and team dynamics are impacted by physical advantages. They argue that biological differences in muscle mass, endurance, and speed should be considered when determining eligibility for athletic divisions.
As the hearing date approaches, advocacy groups on both sides are mobilizing. The bills are expected to spark heated debate in Sacramento, with demonstrations and testimonies anticipated at the Capitol. Whether the bills will pass remains uncertain, particularly in a Democratic-controlled legislature, but the outcome could have ripple effects across the country as other states observe how the nation’s most populous state addresses this contentious issue.
Sources:
- https://www.kcra.com/article/hearing-california-bill-banning-trans-athletes-girls-sports/64258981
- https://www.kcra.com/article/california-hearing-bills-transgender-athletes-ban-girls-womens-sports/64275078
- https://www.politico.com/news/2025/03/06/gavin-newsom-breaks-with-democrats-on-trans-athletes-in-sports-00215436
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnKMPRo2tL0
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JEJtTDZHJnk
