Equality California released the following statement from Executive Director Tony Hoang in response to two anti-transgender bills—AB 89 by Assemblymember Kate Sanchez (R-Rancho Santa Margarita) and AB 844 by Assemblymember Bill Essayli (R-Riverside)—failing to advance out of the Arts, Entertainment, Sports and Tourism Committee on Tuesday by a 2-6 vote on each:

“Instead of tackling the real problems in our state like high inflation and rising healthcare costs, Assemblymembers Sanchez and Essayli continue to waste time and taxpayer money using transgender youth as political pawns in a shameful display of divisive politics and a thirst for attention.

AB 89 and AB 844 are part of the nationwide coordinated effort led by extremists in Washington D.C. to sow fear and misinformation about transgender people—in particular youth—and attempt to erase them from virtually all areas of public life.

Participation in sports provides kids with invaluable life skills such as teamwork, leadership, discipline, and cooperation—fundamental lessons that every young person deserves to experience. Beyond the field, sports also contribute significantly to students’ well-being, fostering better mental health, boosting academic performance, and enhancing self-esteem and confidence.

Local schools and athletic associations across California have policies in place that ensure a level playing field for all students while protecting transgender youth. These protections have existed for years without issue and have allowed the small number of transgender athletes in California to play school sports alongside their teammates – just like everyone else.

If these members and their counterparts were truly committed to addressing the inequities and safety concerns women face—in sports and everyday life—they would be joining the frontlines in the fight for equal pay, stronger protections against domestic violence and stalking, and expanded healthcare resources.

We are pleased these bills have failed and are thankful to those lawmakers who opposed this dangerous legislation in committee, particularly to the committee chair, Assemblymember Chris Ward, for his leadership.”

Equality California continues to partner with the Legislative LGBTQ Caucus and other legislative partners to ensure that the LGBTQ+ community is treated with the dignity and respect they are entitled to. We are committed to continuing the fight to build a world that is healthy, just, and fully equal for all LGBTQ+ people, and discriminatory bills such as this one have no place in California.

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Equality California is the nation’s largest statewide LGBTQ civil rights organization. We bring the voices of LGBTQ people and allies to institutions of power in California and across the United States, striving to create a world that is healthy, just, and fully equal for all LGBTQ people. We advance civil rights and social justice by inspiring, advocating and mobilizing through an inclusive movement that works tirelessly on behalf of those we serve. www.eqca.org