The Biden-Harris administration issued a statement on Monday objecting to the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act, HR 734, proposed by U.S. House Republicans. The bill would categorically ban transgender student athletes from competing on teams consistent with their gender identity. The statement from the administration said that if President Joe Biden were presented with HR 734, he would veto it, citing the bill’s discriminatory nature.
The proposed legislation has raised concerns from advocates who claim that it would further stigmatize an already vulnerable population. According to a recent survey, half of transgender youth have seriously considered suicide, which has contributed to a nationwide mental health crisis. The Biden administration argues that a national law that discriminates against these children is unnecessary, hurts families and students, and would only put students at greater risk.
The U.S. Department of Education unveiled a draft policy earlier this month that would prohibit schools from issuing blanket bans on the participation of trans student athletes in school sports. The policy provided for exceptions in certain circumstances, provided schools’ athletics eligibility criteria provides for the consideration of factors like differences between sports, grade levels, and levels of competition.
While HR 734 was introduced in February by U.S. Rep. Gregory Steube (R-Fla.), it is unlikely to reach President Biden’s desk for a veto given Democrats’ majority control of the U.S. Senate. The administration’s statement pointed out that schools, coaches, and athletic associations around the country are already working with families to develop participation rules that are fair and take into account particular sports, grade levels, and levels of competition.
The Biden administration’s stance on HR 734 underscores its commitment to protecting the rights of transgender student athletes. As advocates continue to fight for equality, it is important to recognize that policies that discriminate against this group not only go against the principles of inclusion and acceptance but also have dire consequences for their mental and emotional well-being.