California’s 2020 law SB 132, authored by Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco), represents a controversial shift in prison policy, permitting men who identify as women or non-binary to transfer to women’s prisons. While framed as a progressive step for inclusivity, the law has exposed female inmates—many of whom are already victims of violence—to dangerous male inmates. Amie Ichikawa, a Christian advocate and former inmate, has become a voice for those who cannot speak for themselves, shining a light on the troubling consequences of this policy.
Amie’s Journey: From Inmate to Advocate
Amie Ichikawa’s life changed when she was convicted in 2009 of kidnapping and assault, serving time in the Central California Women’s Facility (Chowchilla). During her incarceration, she witnessed the systemic challenges faced by women in prison and resolved to make a difference after her release. Her faith in God fueled her mission to advocate for incarcerated women, particularly as they faced the new dangers and injustices brought by SB 132.
Amie watched as the influx of biological men into women’s prisons led to chaos and despair. Women described the traumatic reality of living with men convicted of heinous crimes, including rape and violence. Many inmates shared disturbing accounts with Amie, such as, “These are men! They’re linebackers, these are sex offenders, rapists, and men who hate women but are wearing pigtails with erections! One of them brushed up against me and asked if I liked that! Doesn’t the governor know most of us are rape survivors? Does it even matter?”
The Healthcare Crisis: Injustice in Treatment
SB 132 has not only undermined the physical safety of female inmates but also exposed a shocking disparity in healthcare access. Women suffering from conditions such as breast cancer—some caused by prison jobs handling asbestos with bare hands—find their treatment delayed while male inmates who identify as women receive state-funded elective surgeries.
Amie highlighted this injustice: “Women with cancer from working prison jobs abating asbestos with their bare hands are forced to watch their abusive male counterparts walk into the units with facelifts, prescriptions for Rogaine, and hip and butt implants, all while parading around rights they never had access to. No inmates in American history have been able to wield control over another sector of the inmate population or staff the way the new trans mafia does.”
This shocking use of taxpayer dollars to prioritize cosmetic surgeries for violent offenders over life-saving treatment for women underscores the moral and ethical failures of SB 132.
Men in Women’s Prisons: Dangerous Dynamics
The profile of men allowed into women’s prisons under SB 132 raises grave concerns. Many have extensive histories of violence and sexual offenses, and the women’s facilities lack the security infrastructure to address these threats. The result has been a surge in coercive relationships between male and female inmates. Vulnerable women, seeking validation or protection, are often manipulated into these dynamics by the very men they share cells with.
These relationships have had devastating consequences, including pregnancies within the prison system. Despite attempts to minimize the fallout, the state’s response—ensuring access to Plan B pills and abortions—has done little to address the root issue. Even more horrifying, cadaver dogs were once used to search for fetal remains in the prison yard, evidence of the extreme harm occurring behind prison walls.
Amie’s Sacrifice and the Fight for Justice
Standing against this injustice has cost Amie dearly. She has faced hostility, been labeled a “transphobic bigot,” and ostracized by organizations that once supported her advocacy. Even the ACLU and prominent figures like Gloria Allred and Senator Dianne Feinstein have aligned with transgender activists, ignoring the plight of female inmates. Reflecting on her advocacy, Amie stated, “I had no idea this issue was so politically charged. I had no idea that anyone would disagree with the stance I took to get men and their penises away from women I love and care about.”
CFC’s Fight Against SB 132
California Family Council tried to warn legislators and the public about SB 132 as it was going through the approval process. CFC Vice President Greg Burt even testified against SB 132, when the bill went before the Assembly Public Safety Committee. “Assembly members, you are in a bubble if you think this is what California voters want. Common sense screams out, this is a really, really bad idea,” Burt told the committee members. “If you care about the safety of women, you will oppose SB 132.”
A Call to Action
The plight of these women is a profound human rights crisis. While the federal government has taken steps to address similar issues—most notably through President Trump’s executive order barring men from entering federal women’s prisons—state policies like SB 132 remain unchanged.
As Amie wisely warns, “These changes will not happen overnight, and they will not happen without a fight and holding the new administration accountable for some of the worst brutality happening to American women in women’s prisons.”
It is the responsibility of every Christian and every American to demand justice for these women. As Proverbs 31:8–9 commands, “Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute. Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy.” Now is the time for action, prayer, and steadfast commitment to the dignity and safety of every human being.
(The details of this article came from a story written by Amie Itchikawa and published online at “The 11th Hour.” Find more details about Amie’s ministry to inmates at Woman II Woman.)
