A proposed ballot initiative would prohibit sex changes in minors and transgender female students in middle school and high school from participating in female sports.
The measure has been cleared for circulation by California Secretary of State Shirley Weber.
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The big picture: The measure, known as the Protect Kids of California Act of 2024, would outlaw the removal or modification of genitals and sex characteristics of children and prevent the use of puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones or surgical interventions for transgender operations.
- There would be exceptions for medically necessary procedures or treatments for children born with a disorder or who do not have the normal sex chromosome structure for male or female.
- Children who already received sex-reassignemnt procedures would be allowed to reverse those effects.
Go deeper: If passed, the initiative would also repeal state law that allows children to use facilities based on what their gender identity is.
- Students who were born as a male would be outlawed from competing in female sports in grades seven through 12.
- The initiative would also require schools to keep parents fully informed about all matters that are important for the wellbeing of students, including mental health and social and psychological development.
What we’re watching: Initiative proponents need to collect at least 546,651 signatures by April 29, 2024.
