The Republican-controlled House, as of April 20, 2023, has passed a bill prohibiting Transgender women from participating in female athletics. Thus far this is the latest turnout of the increasing war over transgender rights. An issue mainly played out within America’s state legislature and competitive sports associations.
The legislation labels itself — The Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act. This stand-alone bill, while unlikely to be finalized into law, will target and ban transgender citizens directly. The bill prohibits sports programs that rely on federal financial assistance, to include trans girls in women’s sports teams. Despite this, trans girls can still practice with a team as long as they are not playing competitively.
This bill on the contrary, while passed by Republicans as an effort to “protect young girls” gives local education systems the power to enact rules that limit their participation due to their sex.
Human Rights Divide Over Bill
Behind the ban, House Republican women rallied that the transgender sports ban is a “winning issue across America” With many remarks focusing on the allowance of young trans people using public restrooms as exploitive and “beyond disgusting.”
This statement, despite its claim to protect young girls, directly amends multiple laws protecting the right to not allow discrimination based on gender. Surveys prove there is no increased risk of sexual abuse when allowing transgender students to use public facilities according to their gender identity.
Studies suggest that a rise in abuse is, however, linked to preventing trans people from using the same public bathrooms.
Rep. Greg Steube, who authored the bill states the bill is an address to many school concerns.
Parents do not want biological men in locker rooms with their daughters, nor do they believe it’s equitable a male can compete with women in female athletics.
As a counterargument, Rep. Pramila Jayapal argues that the bill targets children already under discrimination. As a mother of a trans child, Jayapal argues the counteractive ness of the other side’s claim.
“Don’t believe for a minute that this is about protecting women and girls, because if Republicans cared about that they would not be voting against equal pay, against paid sick leave, against universal childcare. The way that this bill targets children in the name of gender equality is insulting,” Jayapal argues.
The appearance of the bill also brings into question how it is enforced. The question stands whether an invasive search will be done upon a child to determine their gender.
“If a young girl — if your daughter — doesn’t look feminine enough, is she subject to an examination?” questioned Jayapal.
Censure of Trans
Despite the bill passing, it is deemed unlikely to make it past the president’s desk. The White House explicitly states, should it pass President Biden’s desk it will receive a veto.
The bill’s original vote split down the middle, with all Republicans voting yes while Democrats voting No.
This is not the first lawful ban against trans people. In many GOP-led states laws are in action to directly prevent minors from receiving gender-affirming medical care. This law will soon come into effect on July 1, requiring youth to discontinue any gender-altering treatments.
In Tennesse, a law puts doctors a risk of losing their job if conducting gender-affirming health practices. Teaming with multiple law groups, a local ACLU chapter has come together with multiple families to sue for banning access to health care. This is one of eleven states banning the health access of gender transition, both for adults and minors.
“The brave families filing this lawsuit are taking a stand for their transgender children despite being targeted by hateful politicians and media personalities,” says Lucas Cameron-Vaughn, ACLU-TN staff attorney.
Written by Brielle R. Buford
Sources:
NBC News: House Republicans pass transgender sports ban for schools
ABC News: For transgender kids, a frantic rush for treatment amid bans
NASHVILLE SCENE: ACLU, Others File to Block Youth Trans Health Care Ban
The HILL: House Republicans pass bill to ban transgender women, girls from school sports teams
Featured and Top Image Courtesy of Alexander Russy‘s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
Inset Image Courtesy of Matt Johnson‘s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
