Supporters of Bill Banning Transgender Athletes Speak Out

See previous reports on House Bill 6 in the player above.

Columbus, Ohio (WCMH) — Ohioans in support of a bill banning transgender girls from participating in school sports spoke at the state capitol on Wednesday.

House Bill 6 — “Save Women’s Sports Act” — Prohibits transgender girls from participating in women’s track and field and “designates separate gender teams and sports for schools, state institutions of higher education, and private colleges” The bill says that it will require

Rep. Jenna Powell (R-Arcana) and 30 Republican co-sponsors Resubmitted the bill in February After legislation did not pass last year’s Ohio convention. Powell has passed similar bills in 18 of his other states, which he argues will promote fair competition.

“A girl’s dream of becoming a gold medalist should not be allowed to be dashed by a biological male who robs her of her chance,” Powell said. said in a statement.

The law allows athletes to sue for relief or damages if: “Stolen” sports opportunities by Transgirl. Additionally, the bill prohibits governments or sports associations from taking action against schools that enforce the ban.

Earlier versions of the bill required students to take an “internal and external” exam to verify the gender of the “athlete in question.”The provision is remove and replace Amendments were made last year to require proof of gender by birth certificate. Neither of these provisions are currently in the body of the bill.

“fact [House Bill 6] Regardless of whether genital testing is included or not, it’s been introduced and introduced as part of the priority bill for Ohio,” Lea Debussy, director of foreign affairs at Equitas Health, previously told NBC4.

Supporters and lawmakers debate at hearings on Wednesday

Twelve supporters of the bill gave testimony at Wednesday’s second hearing. The hearing was to be open only to the bill’s supporters, with opponents to testify later.

Matt Sharp, senior councilor of the nonprofit legal organization Alliance Defending Freedom, endorsed the bill, saying two transgender athletes from Connecticut won state high school championships. expressed concern.

“Across the country, we’re seeing more and more cases of biological men depriving female athletes of championships, records, and countless sporting opportunities,” Sharpe said.

Rep. Casey Weinstein (D-Hudson) pointed to the success of the Ohio High School Athletic Association’s current policy and wondered why Connecticut athletes are relevant. When asked by Weinstein whether Sharp was representing Ohio athletes on .

“Do you know you’re in Ohio? Because Ohio has OHSAA policies in place. [since] In 2013, you’re talking about Connecticut,” Weinstein said.

Nilani Jawahar of the Center for Christian Virtue said OHSAA’s current policy is not sufficient, arguing that transgender athletes only need to “take heterosexual hormones for a year” to compete. bottom.

“Suggesting that the experience of being a woman is simply hormonal levels means that all a man has to do is take estrogen, and he can be seen as her equivalent. is.

OHSAA Policy It states that transgender athletes must demonstrate by sound medical evidence that they possess no physical or physiological advantages over women in their age group. Required in addition to completing relevant hormone therapy for at least 1 year.

Rachel Davis, former captain of the Ohio State University women’s rowing team, cited the results of the annual men’s and women’s indoor rowing competition. said that if the number one female athlete was in the men’s category, she would have placed 36th.

“With the passage of this bill, my two little daughters will be able to pursue their athletic goals on a level and level playing field without the fear of a real man on the podium. You can rest assured,” Davis said.

When asked by Rep. Joe Miller (D-Lorraine) if Davis had ever knowingly competed with a transgender athlete in a rowing competition, she said no.

How many trans athletes participate in sports in Ohio?

Six transgender girls have been state-approved to participate in girls’ high school sports for the 2022-23 school year, according to the Ohio High School Athletic Association, and three have participated this spring season. not present.

OHSAA said in a statement that current policies are effective in protecting the integrity of women’s sport while also providing opportunities for transgender students to participate.

OHSAA “will continue to educate people about OHSAA’s transgender policy, which has been successfully implemented for the past eight years and has not lost opportunities for women’s participation, championships and scholarships in Ohio.” says OHSAA.

Governor Mike DeWine has previously spoken out in support of OHSAA and believes legislators do not need to address the issue.

“This issue is best addressed outside of government, through individual sports leagues and athletic associations, including the Ohio High School Athletic Association. These organizations tailor their policies to meet the needs of their member athletes and member institutions. You can,” said DeWine.

The reintroduction of House Bill 6 is because we also reintroduced lawmakers. House Bill 68 — “How to Save Adolescents from Experimentation” — Prohibits medical professionals from providing gender-affirming treatment to transgender and gender nonconforming children in Ohio.