What's happened
California Governor Gavin Newsom is under fire from LGBTQ+ advocates after stating that allowing transgender women and girls to compete in female sports is 'deeply unfair.' His comments, made during a podcast with conservative activist Charlie Kirk, have sparked outrage among Democrats and LGBTQ+ leaders, marking a significant shift in his previously supportive stance.
What's behind the headline?
Key Insights:
- Shift in Stance: Newsom's comments represent a notable departure from his previous support for LGBTQ+ rights, particularly regarding transgender participation in sports.
- Political Calculations: His engagement with conservative figures like Charlie Kirk suggests a strategic move to broaden his appeal ahead of potential presidential ambitions in 2028.
- Backlash from Allies: The immediate condemnation from fellow Democrats and LGBTQ+ advocates highlights the potential political risks of aligning with anti-trans narratives.
- Public Sentiment: Polls indicate a divided public opinion on transgender athletes, with a significant portion supporting restrictions, which may influence future political strategies.
- Future Implications: This controversy could impact Newsom's standing within the Democratic Party and among LGBTQ+ voters, potentially alienating key supporters as he navigates his political future.
What the papers say
The Guardian reported that Newsom's remarks were met with swift backlash from LGBTQ+ advocates, with assembly member Chris Ward stating, 'We woke up profoundly sickened and frustrated by these remarks.' The New York Times noted that Newsom's agreement with Kirk on the fairness of trans women in sports marks a significant break from other Democrats, indicating a defensive posture on transgender rights. Axios highlighted that Newsom's comments come as public opinion remains divided, with 66% of U.S. adults favoring laws requiring trans athletes to compete based on their sex assigned at birth. The Independent captured the outrage from the left, with many expressing disbelief at Newsom's choice of guest and the implications of his statements for his political future.
How we got here
Newsom, a long-time advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, has recently launched a podcast aimed at engaging with conservative figures. His remarks on transgender athletes come amid a broader national debate on the rights of trans individuals in sports, particularly following the Republican Party's focus on this issue during recent elections.
Go deeper
- What are the implications of Newsom's remarks for his political future?
- How have LGBTQ+ advocates responded to his comments?
- What does public opinion say about trans athletes in sports?
Common question
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