Assemblywoman Kate Sanchez (R-Rancho Santa Margarita) introduced groundbreaking legislation this week aimed at restoring fairness in high school girls’ sports in California. The Protect Girls’ Sports Act, AB 89, would require the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) to implement regulations ensuring that only females are eligible to participate in female sports teams. Males who identify as female or non-binary would no longer get to participate on female teams. The proposal ignited immediate backlash from the Democrat supermajority in the legislature and from LGBTQ+ activists, who attempted to paint the proposal as “exclusionary.
“Women’s sports have always been a space where dedication, perseverance, and opportunity thrive,” said Assemblywoman Sanchez. “But that fairness is being stripped away. Young women who have spent years training and sacrificing to compete at the highest level are now forced to compete against individuals with undeniable biological advantages. It’s not just unfair—it’s disheartening and dangerous.” Sanchez, herself a former high school athlete, emphasized the importance of preserving the integrity of girls’ athletics for future generations.
The bill emerges amid increasing national controversies as female-identifying males participate in female sports, with competitive and safety implications. California has permitted such participation for over a decade (See AB 1266), leading to stories of heartbreak for young female athletes who lost opportunities and accolades.
The Protect Girls’ Sports Act is about more than fairness. “Whether it’s in contact sports, locker rooms, or shared spaces, we must prioritize the physical and emotional well-being of our daughters,” Sanchez said. “These policies are essential to protect the opportunities that generations of women have fought to achieve.”
I’m hitting the ground running on day one of session by introducing the Protect Girls’ Sports Act. This bill will restore fair and safe conditions for girls’ sports by preventing biological males from competing. pic.twitter.com/hVSeP0fOxd
— Kate Sanchez (@KateSanchezCA) January 6, 2025
Opposition and Advocacy
The California LGBTQ Caucus swiftly condemned the bill. Legislative LGBTQ Caucus Chair Assemblymember Chris Ward (D-San Diego) told the Sacramento Bee, “Sports participation leads to better outcomes in both academics and mental health, and transgender students deserve the opportunity to benefit from it in an environment that both affirms and validates their gender identity.” He accused supporters of the bill of using kids as “political pawns” in a cultural fight.
Ward’s remarks reflect the broader ideological clash over the issue, with progressive advocates framing the debate as one of human rights, while critics like Sanchez assert it is a matter of fairness and safety.
California Family Council Takes a Stand
The California Family Council (CFC) has been at the forefront of defending women’s sports. Outreach Director Sophia Lorey, a former college soccer player, has been vocal about the dangers posed by current CIF policies, which prioritize inclusivity for transgender-identified males over the privacy, safety, and competitive opportunities of female athletes. Lorey has repeatedly called out CIF leadership for implementing resources like the “Gender Diverse Youth Sport Inclusivity Toolkit,” which she argues undermines protections for girls in sports.
“The CIF’s ‘Gender Diverse Youth Sport Inclusivity Toolkit’ prioritizes male athletes over the safety, privacy, and opportunities of young women,” Lorey stated. “As a former athlete, I’ve witnessed firsthand the hard work and sacrifice required to excel in sports. It’s deeply unjust to place girls in positions where they’re at a biological disadvantage, and it’s unacceptable to compromise their privacy in locker rooms and showers.”
Lorey has addressed the CIF Governing Board multiple times, urging leaders to reconsider policies she believes jeopardize the future of women’s sports. Her advocacy underscores the growing national conversation around the issue.
Feb. 2024 I shared my story and experience of being a 4 year CIF varsity athlete, outside the CIF Governing Board Meeting pic.twitter.com/lr9xmH6Ssa
— Sophia Lorey (@SophiaSLorey) January 7, 2025
What’s Next?
The Protect Girls’ Sports Act now faces an uphill battle in the Democrat-dominated legislature. However, Sanchez and supporters remain undeterred. “I will always stand up for fairness, opportunity, and protection in athletics,” Sanchez pledged.
CFC plans to rally parents, athletes, and community members to voice their support for the bill. Meanwhile, Sanchez’s initiative ensures the conversation around fairness in women’s sports remains firmly in the spotlight.
