California Legislative LGBTQ Caucus Statement on U.S. Supreme Court Decision in Little v. Hecox and West Virginia v. B.P.J.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

California Legislative LGBTQ Caucus Statement on U.S. Supreme Court Decision in Little v. Hecox and West Virginia v. B.P.J.

SACRAMENTO, CA — The California Legislative LGBTQ Caucus issued the following statement in response to the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Little v. Hecox and West Virginia v. B.P.J.:

"Our hearts are with the transgender student-athletes in states across the country who, because of the Court’s decision, will no longer have the opportunity to play sports alongside their friends or fully experience everything that comes with being part of a school team. Every young person deserves the chance to build friendships, develop confidence, learn teamwork and leadership, and experience the full benefits and sense of belonging that school athletics provide.

While we are deeply disappointed by the Court's decision, we are grateful that California has, for more than a decade, protected the ability of transgender students to participate in school programs and athletics consistent with their gender identity. Those protections remain in place, and California will continue to ensure that every student is treated with dignity, respect, and inclusion.

The Court’s ruling does not diminish the humanity, worth, or dignity of transgender Americans, nor does it change the simple truth that transgender people are valued members of our schools, our families, and our communities.

The California Legislative LGBTQ Caucus remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting all LGBTQ+ people and ensuring that every student has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive in a safe and welcoming environment. We will continue fighting for policies that expand opportunity – not exclusion – and ensure that every student has the chance to experience the full promise of a California public education."

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About the California Legislative LGBTQ Caucus

California’s Legislative LGBTQ Caucus was formed in 2002 to create a forum for California Legislators to discuss issues that affect LGBTQ Californians and to further the goal of equality and justice for all Californians. California became the first state in the United States to officially form a caucus of openly-LGBTQ state legislators and continues to be a leader of progress for all Americans. In 2023, our membership hit a new milestone of 12 members, becoming one of the largest LGBTQ Caucus in the Nation, and continues to remain strong. Despite tremendous progress and an unprecedented swell of support for the LGBTQ community worldwide, there is still much work to do to protect and uplift the most vulnerable in our community. The LGBTQ Caucus strives to advocate for diversity and inclusion of all people, including differently abled bodies. Our Caucus is working diligently to support LGBTQ leaders that represent our community at the local, state, and federal levels.

For more information on the California Legislative LGBTQ Caucus, please visit https://lgbtqcaucus.legislature.ca.gov/