A rare debate in the California State Capitol unfolded as Republicans championed two bills banning transgender athletes from female sports, against the backdrop of Governor Newsom’s controversial stance. While Newsom, a supporter of L.G.B.T.Q. rights, stated his belief that transgender athletes’ participation is unfair, Democrats avoided directly referencing him, reflecting significant internal party rifts. The bills faced rejection in a packed committee hearing, highlighting how Newsom’s views have shifted the political dynamics in a legislature typically united on L.G.B.T.Q. rights. This unusual divide marks a notable development in California politics, typically characterized by Democratic solidarity on such issues.
For the first time ever, Gavin Newsom and I agree, said Karen England, executive director of the Capitol Resource Institute.
Mr. Newsom, a longtime supporter of expanding L.G.B.T.Q. rights, publicly broke with his party last month when he said on his new podcast that he thinks it's deeply unfair for transgender athletes to compete in female sports.
The debate brought into stark focus an extraordinary rift among California Democrats on the issue of transgender participation in female sports.
Democrats, who control the Assembly Committee on Arts, Entertainment, Sports and Tourism, ultimately quashed the bills after dozens of people spoke in a packed hearing room.
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