A controversial new law in California will allow transgender students to play any sport, regardless of sex, and use the team's bathroom and locker room.
Transgender students are those who were born one gender but identify themselves as opposite sex.
The new law means a student born as a boy but identifies themselves as a girl, can play on a girls sports team and use the girl's locker room. The same rule applies for girl who identifies themselves as a boy.
California Governor Jerry Brown signed the bill into law, sparking reaction from both sides of the issue.
The changes will be applied at California elementary, middle and high schools beginning in January, 2014.
The bill's author, State Assemblyman Tom Ammiano of San Francisco, says some transgender students were not allowing transgender students access to activities and facilities. "We plan now to continue the education effort around this bill and hope that all school districts in California will have that level playing field for transgender students."
The bill's co-author, Democrat Senator Mark Leno of San Francisco said, "I think the Governor used very good judgment in signing the bill. The whole concept behind it is making sure that all of California's children, without exception, can have a level playing field and can participate in facilities, and activities, and programs in a way that is comfortable for them and is true to who they are."
Fresno Unified Superintendent Michael Hanson said, "What I would desire our principals to be doing, is to listen to students and their families and try to have all participate in such a way that everybody's happy and kids continue to grow."
The bill was passed in the Democrat controlled State Assembly and Senate.