California legislators are set to discuss two controversial bills that would prohibit transgender women and girls from participating in female sports, marking a significant moment in the state’s ongoing debate about transgender rights and competitive fairness.
The California State Assembly has scheduled a hearing for April 1st to consider the proposals, which come amid Governor Gavin Newsom’s recent surprising comments acknowledging concerns about fairness in women’s sports.
During a 75-minute podcast interview with conservative figure Charlie Kirk, Newsom stated, “I think it’s an issue of fairness, I completely agree with you on that. It is an issue of fairness — it’s deeply unfair.”
This position represents a notable shift for Newsom, who has long been a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, including issuing same-sex marriage licenses decades ago. The governor emphasized his personal connection to athletics, noting that both he and his wife competed at the college level.
“I revere sports, so the issue of fairness is completely legit,” he said during the interview.
The bills under consideration include AB 844, sponsored by Republican Assemblyman Bill Assay Lee, which would prevent transgender athletes from participating in girls’ and women’s sports from elementary school through college. A second proposal, AB 89 by Republican Kate Sanchez, focuses specifically on high school sports.
Assemblyman Assay Lee attempted to force an early vote on his bill during a recent session where the Assembly recognized Trans Day of Visibility, but Democrats blocked the effort.
“My bill is not anti-trans. It’s just protecting women and young girls in vulnerable places, bathrooms, locker rooms and their sports teams,” Assay Lee stated.
Democratic Assemblyman Chris Ward, who chairs the upcoming hearing and leads California’s LGBTQ caucus, indicated the session is intended to hear arguments from both sides and address what he describes as misinformation about transgender athletes.
“Somehow viral videos can blow that up to make it seem like this is overwhelming activity that is out there when in reality a few individuals that are seeking their own fulfillment and the ability to be well and participate in sports are really being targeted and harassed,” Ward said.
He added that transgender athletes likely represent “far fewer than 1% of athletes in California.”
The governor’s comments have created political tension, with some Democratic legislators reportedly viewing the hearing as a way to challenge Newsom. When asked about the governor’s handling of the issue, Assay Lee responded, “He’s either lying or he’s ignorant.”
Since making his comments on the podcast, Newsom has denied knowing about the pending legislation, and his office has declined to comment on the scheduled hearing.
Former NCAA swimmer and women’s sports advocate Riley Gaines criticized the governor’s remarks as politically calculated. “Gavin Newsom is clearly angling at a 2028 presidential run,” Gaines said. “He’s really become this legendary fence-sitter, continuing to wink at both sides.”
The hearing comes as many states across the country have enacted varying policies regarding transgender participation in sports, highlighting the complex intersection of fairness, inclusion, and political strategy surrounding the issue.
