Across the United States, radical conservatives are pushing a harmful agenda that is harming the trans community. One main weapon that they are using is banning trans kids from doing sports in schools. Schools are being hit more and more often with these discriminatory bans that force them to constantly violate the basic human right of being authentic.
The state of Arizona is one of many states that are enacting these harmful laws towards transgender students. One in specific is the “save women’s sports act” which claims that the law protects women in universities and schools from “unfair competition,” citing that transgender women have a better physical advantage then cisgendered women.
Recently, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, called the law “the essence of discrimination.” Recently, the court found that pre-pubescent trans girl who take puberty blockers in fact had no physical advantages over there cis- woman peers, despite the rhetoric that anti-trans folks are try8ing to spread.
The mission to overturn this law started with two trans girls who sued the state of Arizona with the goal to have the law overturned. These two girls were an 11-year-old soccer player and a 15-year-old swimmer and volleyball player. After the lawsuit ensued, 18 states made statements that are in favor of the law, while 17 states made statements objecting the laws.
In April, House Republicans attempted to pass a ban on sports for trans people however, the senate Democrats blocked it from becoming a law. Had it passed, trans people would be barred from playing any sports on a national level.
The state of Arizona can still appeal the decision and turn it over to an 11-judge panel on the appeals court or turn to the Supreme Court to rule on the law.
For now, however, the recent ruling can be used as a precedent to help trans kids finally play in sports. Playing sports is a passion that people have a right to pursue. This is no different for out transgender friends.
“A student’s transgender status is not an accurate proxy for athletic ability and competitive advantage, our clients are thrilled to be able to continue to play on girls sports team with their friends while this case proceeds to trial.” Statement made from lawyer Racheal Berg, who represents the National Center for Lesbian Rights and also who represented the girls in court.
A small victory to a problem that never needed to be started.
