Chico Times

Today in Sacramento, the Assembly Arts, Entertainment, Sports, and Tourism Committee voted along party lines, resulting in the rejection of two legislative proposals aimed at ensuring fairness and safety in female student-athlete sports. The bills in question, AB 844 introduced by Assemblyman Bill Essayli and AB 89 by Assemblywoman Kate Sanchez, were designed to require student-athletes to compete based on their biological sex.

These proposals garnered significant public support, as polls indicate that a majority of Americans prefer keeping biological males out of women's sports and private facilities. This sentiment was echoed by recent comments from Governor Newsom, who described the participation of male athletes in girls' sports teams as "deeply unfair."

Assemblywoman Kate Sanchez commented on the outcome, saying, "AB 89 is about fairness, safety and ensuring a level playing field for female athletes. Unfortunately, radical political agendas won out over what’s right for female athletes and parents. Despite this setback, I will keep fighting to save girls' sports and ensure a level playing field."

Assemblyman Bill Essayli expressed his disappointment, stating, "The rejection of AB 844 demonstrates just how out of touch Assembly Democrats have become. They’ve made it clear they don’t care about protecting women’s sports or student privacy. Female athletes will continue to lose opportunities, and young girls will be forced to give up their right to privacy—all because Sacramento Democrats are too afraid to stand up to the far left."

The vote reflects the current political climate, indicating a preference by the Assembly Democrats for a broader progressive agenda, despite opposition claiming it impacts fairness, safety, and privacy in sports.