Concerned Women for America (CWA) of California is deeply concerned about the safety, fairness, and opportunities for female athletes following the recent vote by the Assembly Committee on Arts, Entertainment, Sports, and Tourism against AB 89—The Protect Girls’ Sports Act. This bill would have protected girls by ensuring that participation in school sports is based on biological sex, thus preserving fairness, safety, and equal opportunities for female athletes.
Likewise, AB 844, titled “Educational equity: sex-segregated school and athletic programs and activities: use of facilities,” addresses the equally critical issue of student privacy—specifically related to bathrooms, locker rooms, and showers – and was also voted down.
On Tuesday, April 1, at the press conference held in support of AB 89 and AB 844, I delivered a strong and clear message: Women deserve a fair playing field. I was proud to speak on your behalf. I was joined by members of the CWA Steering Committee, CWA members and friends, and Young Women for America members. Together, we stood united during the committee hearings to voice support for these common-sense bills.
A shout out of thanks to Assemblyman Bill Essayli (R-District 63), author of AB 844, who courageously spoke in defense of girls-only sports, as seen above.
Protecting girls in sports is not a partisan issue — it is a matter of basic fairness. Female athletes across the country are losing scholarships, spots on teams, and, in some heartbreaking cases, are even suffering serious injuries due to biological males competing in female categories.
CWA of California has been actively engaged in advocating for the passage of both AB 89 and AB 844, which affirm that participation in girls’ sports and use of facilities should be based on biological sex. Prior to the April 1 hearings, CWA of California issued an urgent action alert, calling on supporters to attend, pray, and contact committee members in support of these crucial bills. A special thanks to all those who were able to participate in one or more ways.
Assemblymember Chris Ward, Chair of the California State Assembly’s Committee on Arts, Entertainment, Sports, and Tourism, commented: “I don’t think anybody should be gender policing women and girls.” (Source: AP News)
We disagree. Protecting biological reality is not “policing”—it is preserving fairness and safety.
Although we are greatly disappointed that the committee voted against these bills, we will not be deterred. We will continue to show up and speak up with even greater determination.
67% of Democrats agree: girls’ sports should be based on biological sex.
This is not radical — it’s reasonable.
There is bipartisan consensus, and even Gov. Gavin Newsom has called it a matter of fairness.
We urge you to thank the bold committee members who took a stand and voted yes on these bills. Their courage in the face of opposition must be recognized. Respectfully express your disappointment to those who voted no. Be sure to let each committee member know that you were informed by Concerned Women for America of California.
View the official vote records here:
AB 844: Vote Record
AB 89: Vote Record|
Committee Info: Assembly Arts, Entertainment, Sports, and Tourism Committee
We will continue to stand, speak, and advocate to save girls’ sports. For such a time as this.
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