A bill in the Minnesota House that aimed to ban transgender athletes from participating in elementary and secondary school girls’ sports failed to gain the necessary 68 votes for passage. The proposed “Preserving Girls Sports Act” would have changed the current law to prohibit transgender girls from competing on female sports teams.
Despite a two-hour debate, with appearances by notable figures such as former collegiate swimmer Riley Gaines and Rep. Jamie Long, the bill did not receive enough support. Republicans held firm in their arguments, while Democrats countered that the bill would render Title IX meaningless and erase transgender individuals’ opportunities to participate in sports.
Supporters of the bill argued for fairness, safety, and preserving girls’ sports in Minnesota, but opponents pointed out that there were no issues with transgender teammates or athletes in their own experiences. The proposed bill sparked a heated debate on social media and at rallies across the state, with proponents arguing that it was necessary to protect female athletes, while opponents saw it as an attempt to divide and discriminate against transgender individuals.
In the end, Republicans decided to table the bill for future consideration, marking a significant defeat for advocates of the legislation. The Minnesota House’s failure to pass this bill serves as a reminder of the ongoing debates surrounding trans inclusivity in sports.
Source: https://kstp.com/kstp-news/top-news/minnesota-house-to-vote-on-bill-banning-trans-athletes-from-girls-womens-sports