California Governor Gavin Newsom is facing renewed criticism after his state confirmed it will continue to allow transgender athletes to compete in girls' sports, following a Supreme Court decision that upheld state bans on males participating in women's athletics. A spokesperson for Newsom's office stated that the Supreme Court's ruling does not alter California's existing laws, affirming the state's commitment to dignity and respect for all Californians, including the LGBTQ community.
Newsom's office highlighted the governor's record on protecting and expanding transgender rights, citing actions such as facilitating easier gender marker updates on official documents and appointing transgender judges. This stance has drawn condemnation from prominent women's sports advocates.
California has previously grappled with issues surrounding transgender athletes in girls' sports. In May, transgender athlete AB Hernandez competed in girls' sporting events, winning two state track and field titles for the second consecutive year. Ahead of the state tournament, a group called "Save Girls Sports," led by former NCAA athlete Sophia Lorey, planned a news conference to protest the participation of transgender athletes.
A statement from Newsom's office regarding the planned protest emphasized that discussions on the issue should be guided by fairness, dignity, and respect, while rejecting what it described as a "right wing’s cynical attempt to weaponize this debate as an excuse to vilify individual kids." The statement asserted the governor's position is to "stand with all kids and stand up to bullies."
However, Newsom himself has previously expressed views on the matter, stating in March 2025 on a podcast that he believed males competing in girls' sports is "deeply unfair." The Trump administration's Department of Justice has initiated Title IX lawsuits against California education agencies over their policies permitting transgender athletes in girls' high school sports. These legal actions were officially launched in July, following Hernandez's performance at the previous year's championships, where she secured wins in the triple jump and high jump, and a second-place finish in the long jump.