California Democrats on the Senate Public Safety Committee have voted to reject a Republican-backed bill that would have barred male sex offenders from being housed in women’s prisons—a move that has sparked widespread outrage among advocates for women’s safety.
The bill, introduced by State Senator Shannon Grove, sought to amend California’s controversial Senate Bill 132, which allows inmates to be housed based on their self-declared gender identity, regardless of biological sex or criminal history.
Grove’s proposal would have specifically prohibited biologically male inmates convicted of violent or sexual offenses from being transferred into women’s facilities. The bill also called for the creation of separate housing units for transgender inmates to preserve privacy and security for female prisoners—especially in vulnerable spaces like showers and sleeping quarters.
During the committee hearing, Grove highlighted multiple disturbing testimonies from female inmates. One woman recounted being sexually assaulted by a male inmate who had been transferred to the women’s facility, an assault that allegedly led to a miscarriage. Another described being forced to share a cell with a much larger biological male, saying it felt like “the wild west.”
Despite these alarming accounts, Democrats on the committee voted down the measure. Senator Scott Wiener, a vocal supporter of SB 132, dismissed Grove’s bill as discriminatory, accusing it of fueling a “culture war” against transgender individuals. He argued that the bill undermined the dignity of inmates by challenging their gender identity.
Critics say the rejection of the bill sends a clear message that California’s progressive leadership prioritizes political ideology over the safety and well-being of incarcerated women. Grove and others argue that while gender identity can be respected, it should not come at the expense of basic protections for female inmates—especially those who have already suffered abuse.
The debate over housing policies in California’s prison system continues to intensify as more women come forward with stories of fear, harassment, and violence. With the state doubling down on its existing policies, calls are growing louder for a common-sense approach that acknowledges biological reality while ensuring humane treatment for all.