California Governor Gavin Newsom is facing criticism regarding the state's policy on transgender athletes competing in girls' sports, following a recent Supreme Court ruling. The court ruled 6-3 to uphold state laws that prohibit males from participating in women's sports. In response, Newsom's office stated that California's laws remain unchanged and reaffirmed the state's commitment to the dignity and respect of all individuals, including the LGBTQ community.
A spokesperson from Newsom's office highlighted the state's achievements in protecting and expanding transgender rights, including easier processes for updating gender markers on official documents and the appointment of transgender judges. This statement has drawn backlash from women's sports advocates, including Riley Gaines and Jennifer Sey, who condemned the governor's position.
The issue gained national attention earlier this year when trans athlete AB Hernandez competed in girls' sports, winning two state titles. Protests organized by the group 'Save Girls Sports' occurred near competition venues, expressing concerns over fairness in women's sports. Newsom has previously stated that discussions on this topic should focus on fairness and respect, rejecting what he describes as attempts to vilify transgender individuals. The Department of Justice under former President Donald Trump has initiated Title IX lawsuits against California's education agencies regarding policies that permit trans athletes to compete in girls' sports, with the lawsuits formally launched in July 2025 after Hernandez's state championship victories.