More than 200 lawmakers who represent women have joined forces to file an amicus brief supporting the defense against allowing biological males to compete as females in girls' sports ahead of Supreme Court oral arguments next week.
The coalition is led by Idaho state representative Barbara Ehardt, with prominent names including Maine's Laurel Libby and Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth. All 207 lawmakers on the list are Republicans, whereas most Democrat lawmakers have expressed support for trans athletes competing as females.
The amicus brief argues that using biological criteria to determine eligibility in women's sports programs is justified due to fundamental differences between men and women. However, several other briefs have been filed supporting either side of this argument. In addition, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has represented a trans athlete in cases against states' laws banning males from competing as females.
One such case involves Adaleia Cross, who claims that a trans athlete made graphic and vulgar sexual threats towards her during locker room encounters at Bridgeport High School in West Virginia. The ACLU denies these allegations, stating the school district investigated them and found them unsubstantiated.
Additionally, Emmy Salerno, a former track athlete, alleges that the same trans athlete used intimidation tactics against her after she declined to compete against him in an event.
The coalition is led by Idaho state representative Barbara Ehardt, with prominent names including Maine's Laurel Libby and Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth. All 207 lawmakers on the list are Republicans, whereas most Democrat lawmakers have expressed support for trans athletes competing as females.
The amicus brief argues that using biological criteria to determine eligibility in women's sports programs is justified due to fundamental differences between men and women. However, several other briefs have been filed supporting either side of this argument. In addition, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has represented a trans athlete in cases against states' laws banning males from competing as females.
One such case involves Adaleia Cross, who claims that a trans athlete made graphic and vulgar sexual threats towards her during locker room encounters at Bridgeport High School in West Virginia. The ACLU denies these allegations, stating the school district investigated them and found them unsubstantiated.
Additionally, Emmy Salerno, a former track athlete, alleges that the same trans athlete used intimidation tactics against her after she declined to compete against him in an event.
These lawmakers are just trying to protect their own kids' opportunities – can't blame 'em. It's not about being bigoted, it's about fairness. Why should a girl have to compete against someone with a physical advantage? 
The whole thing is getting ridiculous! 
. It's like trying to put out two fires at once - it just doesn't work 
! The debate around girls' sports is a tough one, but some lawmakers are standing firm on the idea that biological criteria should apply 
. It's not about being unfair or discriminatory; it's about fairness and protecting the athletes who have always competed under their biological sex 
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... I mean, what's next? Biological boys joining the school choir? 
No seriously though, as a kid who played sports back in the day, I always thought it was about fairness and respect for others. Not about some dude claiming to be your sister on the team 
. Now, with all these politicians jumping on both sides, it just seems like a big mess 
... I'm not saying trans athletes shouldn't have their rights, but let's not forget they're still human beings too 
. My cousin's kid is trans and his family's totally supportive 
... We should be having this conversation about empathy and understanding, not just about winning or losing 
the whole thing feels like a huge controversy 
and i wish more people could just have an open discussion about it without all the drama 
Why do we need an entire coalition to make this point? And what about all these trans athletes who feel like they can't participate because of their sex? It's just so... binary. 
Can't we find a way to coexist without making one group feel like they don't belong? 
, I get why folks want to keep biological boys from competing as girls - physical differences can be a big deal on the field or court. But at the same time, you gotta consider those trans athletes' rights and what they're going through. It's not just about sports, its about dignity and respect 
I mean, isn't that what equality is all about? Letting everyone compete with whatever identity makes 'em feel most comfortable? 
It's hard to know what's really going on behind closed doors in those locker rooms, but can't we just try to find a middle ground here? 
this is gonna be a long road for those girls athletes... i mean, its not just about fairness or whatever but its about safety and thats what these lawmakers are worried about... but like, what if the safety of girls who are already dealing with puberty and stuff can't even be guaranteed in locker rooms? 
and meanwhile theres cases coming out left right and center about trans athletes making threats and using intimidation tactics against bi female athletes... its all so messed up 
but im like super glad these repubs are standing up for womens rights lol idaho barbara ehrt is literally a hero 
these trans athletes might be trying to compete under womens labels, but whats gonna happen when they use their physical strength to intimidate others? idk, im all for fairness and inclusivity, but not at the expense of safety 
. It feels like we're getting caught up in a whole lot of drama rather than actually talking about the issue at hand 
I'm just so fed up with this whole thing! All these lawmakers are getting together on one side or the other, it's like they're not even hearing each other out. What about fairness and equality? Can't we just have sports for whoever wants to play without all this drama? 
And what's going on with these allegations against that trans athlete? One minute she's making threats, next minute someone else is saying she was being a bully... it's like nobody can be trusted! 
. And what's with the coalition of 207 Republicans? Is it really that hard for Democrats to see the obvious benefits of trans athletes being able to participate in sports without harassment or exclusion? It's like they're not even trying to be inclusive anymore 
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