Proposed Sports Bills Cause Controversy
The bills suggest a change in high school athletics in which, “certain educational institutions be designated on the basis of students’ biological sex,” as stated in Stargel’s Senate Bill 2012. In the House Bill 1475, under the Fairness in Women’s Sports Act, the methods of determining biological sex are elaborated upon, stating, “The health care provider may verify the student’s biological sex as part of a routine sports physical examination by relying only on one or more of the following, the student’s reproductive anatomy; the student’s genetic makeup; or the student’s normal endogenously produced testosterone levels.” The outrage comes from news outlets and citizens, who are concerned that this bill could have a negative impact on students in the trans community. The Tampa Bay Times describe the bill to be, “a thinly veiled attempt to marginalize already vulnerable transgender kids.” People like Sasha Buchert, a transgender lawyer, also feel the bill discriminates against Trans athletes, claiming “Trans girls are girls and they’re included under title IX.” So, while parts of these bills seem somewhat illogical, the bills as a whole have potential to improve the fairness and safety of women’s sports, for more information about the negative side of this bill see: https://nhsvertical.com/transgender-children-affected-by-failed-bill/
More Information:
https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2021/1475/BillText/Filed/PDF
