FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) - California lawmakers rejected two bills that would have banned transgender athletes in women's sports.  Assembly Bill 89 would have banned trans athletes in girls' high school sports. AB844 would have banned athletic crossover across every grade, including the co llege level. Both bills have been shot down by California state lawmakers. District 8 Assemblyman David Tangipa said these bills are about protecting young women. "We should make sure that we prioritize their own spaces and their own safety," Tangipa said. This comes after comments Gov. Gavin Newsom made on his podcast with Conservative Political Activist Charlie Kirk that received backlash. Executive Director of a local gender advocacy group, Gender Alchemy, Jess Fitzpatrick, weighing in on the issue. "I'm glad to see that it doesn't take the governor supporting events like this or bills like this in order for other California representatives to go, no, this is not what we stand for," Fitzpatrick said.  Fresno Unified is responding to the two bills rejected in a statement. "Fresno Unified is dedicated to fostering safe, supportive, and inclusive environments for all students, including those who are transgender." Fresno Unified Tangipa said that as a former athlete, he sympathizes with young women who are proponents of the bills.  "It's unfair competition that even the governor agrees with. And so, to all athletes out there, I think I respect what they're fighting for," Tangipa said.  The Trump Administration has warned California leaders they could lose federal funds if the state continues allowing transgender athletes to play in girls' and women's sports. ...read more read less