A group of 40 prominent athletes, including soccer player Megan Rapinoe and boxer Patricio Manuel, have spoken out against a proposed legislation introduced by House Republicans that would exclude transgender and intersex girls and women from playing on school sports teams. The athletes signed a letter issued by Athlete Ally, a non-profit organization that advocates for creating more LGBTQ-inclusive environments in sports. The letter urges lawmakers to drop the proposal, arguing that it violates transgender and intersex human rights.
The proposed legislation, known as H.R. 734 or the “Protection of Girls and Women in Sports Act,” stipulates that Title IX compliance requires banning transgender and intersex girls and women from participating in sports. If passed, the bill could lead to transgender and intersex girls and women being forced to sit on the sidelines, away from their peers and communities, as well as the policing of the bodies of all girls, including cisgender girls.
The legislation was introduced in February by U.S. Rep. Greg Steube (R-Fla.), and a markup session was held in March. The House Rules Committee has announced that it may meet during the week of April 17 to provide for floor consideration of the proposal. The Movement Advancement Project reports that 20 U.S. states now have laws that bar trans students from participating in sports consistent with their gender identity.
The letter issued by Athlete Ally highlights the need for more LGBTQ-inclusive athletic environments and stresses the importance of upholding transgender and intersex human rights. The athletes’ voices in this matter add to the growing opposition to the proposed legislation, which has already faced criticism from various organizations and individuals.
The proposed legislation has sparked a nationwide debate about the rights of transgender and intersex individuals, especially in school sports. The opposition to the legislation represents a larger fight for equality in sports and society, as athletes continue to speak out and advocate for LGBTQ-inclusive environments. As the conversation around the proposed legislation continues, the voices of these prominent athletes are likely to be heard and considered by lawmakers and the public alike.