Democrats in California’s State Assembly Public Safety Committee voted to block legislation that would have prohibited biologically male inmates, including convicted sex offenders, from being housed in women’s prisons. The bill was introduced to address rising concerns about the safety and dignity of female inmates forced to share facilities with men identifying as women.
Supporters of the measure argued it was necessary to protect female prisoners, especially those with histories of trauma or abuse. The proposal gained traction following reports of male inmates—some with violent or sexual criminal records—being transferred into women’s correctional facilities under existing state law. Inmates and prison staff have reported instances of assault and harassment, fueling concerns over California’s implementation of Senate Bill 132, which allows inmates to be housed according to gender identity.
Despite these warnings, the Democrat-majority committee voted along party lines to reject the legislation. Advocates of the current policy claim that gender identity protections must be upheld, even in cases involving violent offenders. Critics argue this approach sacrifices the safety of vulnerable women for the sake of ideology.
Since Senate Bill 132 was enacted in 2020, California’s prison system has approved numerous transfer requests by male inmates to women’s facilities. Public records reveal that many of those transferred have been convicted of sexual offenses. Some female inmates have filed complaints and lawsuits citing fear and abuse within these new housing arrangements.
Women’s rights groups and public safety advocates condemned the vote, calling it a betrayal of the state’s duty to protect incarcerated women. One advocate stated, “The reality is women are being placed in danger while the state prioritizes identity politics over basic prison safety.”
