California Lawmaker Warns Democrats on Girls' Sports and Trans Athletes Debate

The California state legislature is gearing up for a high-stakes vote on a bill aiming to ban biological males from participating in girls' sports. This comes as California finds itself at the epicenter of heated national debates over transgender athletes. The proposal, known as AB 89, could have far-reaching implications on both the state’s policies and its federal funding.

The California Interscholastic Federation, the governing body for high school sports in the state, is already under federal investigation for possible Title IX violations. These investigations stem from a slew of recent controversies involving transgender athletes in girls' sports. Governor Gavin Newsom, speaking on his podcast, called the situation "deeply unfair" but stood behind policies that prioritize sensitivity to the emotions of transgender individuals.

On Thursday, U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon issued a stark warning to California. She suggested that continued inclusion of trans athletes in girls' sports could lead to cuts in federal funding. For those keeping score, that’s a very real financial threat hanging over the state.

Assemblywoman Kate Sanchez, the architect of AB 89, has been vocal in her warnings to fellow Democrats. She urged them to weigh the potential fallout of blocking the bill. "They need to be very thoughtful because, obviously, President Trump is a man of his word, so to lose this funding, is that really what they want to do?" Sanchez asked. She added that this might not be a fight the Newsom administration is ready to take on, given the stakes.

Sanchez emphasized that the state simply cannot afford to gamble with federal funding over such a divisive issue. "There are so many school districts that would be in absolute distress," she said, noting that California has a laundry list of other pressing issues that demand attention, from economic hardships to education reform. "We really need to get back to the basics," she added.

California has had a law, AB 1266, in place since 2014. This legislation allows students to participate in school programs and sports based on their gender identity. While lauded by advocates of trans rights, the law has sparked numerous controversies, especially over the past year.

One high-profile lawsuit in Riverside involves two girls from Martin Luther King High School. They allege that a trans athlete took a varsity spot from a female runner, and when they protested by wearing "Save Girls Sports" T-shirts, school administrators likened their actions to displaying swastikas. Another father reported that his daughter was told by school officials that "transgenders have more rights" than cisgender individuals.

Similar controversies are brewing across the state. At Jurupa Valley High School, a trans athlete’s dominance in track and field events has led to national headlines. Meanwhile, Stone Ridge Christian High School’s volleyball team even forfeited a tournament match to avoid competing against a team with a trans athlete.

Sanchez noted that her office has received overwhelming support from Hispanic voters, a traditionally Democratic stronghold. "Our Hispanic communities are family-oriented and hard-working," she said. "They want their daughters to feel safe and have fair opportunities. Many have told us, 'This is not what we want. We want our girls protected.'"

AB 89 is set to be voted on alongside a second bill addressing the same issue, AB 844, next Tuesday. The outcome of these votes could significantly shape both state policy and the broader national debate surrounding gender and sports.