Aimee Walker
Transgender athletes have been banned from competing in girls’ and womens’ sports in Mississipi.
Senate Bill 2536 was approved by the statehouse in a vote of 81-28.
It will apply to all Mississipi high schools and universities.
More Americans Are Identifying As LGBTQ Than Ever Before
Republican Governor Tate Reeves has been vocal about his support for banning transgender athletes from competing in women’s sports, so it’s not a huge surprise.
However, on Joe Biden’s first day as President, the Democrat made an executive order that prohibits this form of discrimination on gender in school sports.
The ruling states: “Children should be able to learn without worrying about whether they will be denied access to the restroom, the locker room, or school sports.”
Outraged by the President’s stance on the matter, Reeves took to social media to criticise the move.
“I am so disappointed over President Biden’s actions to force young girls like them to compete with biological males for access to athletics. It will limit the opportunity for so many competitors like my daughters. It is bad policy and it is wrong for America,” he wrote.
The ruling has been labelled ‘a coordinated effort to erase trans existence’ by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC).
The organisation’s president, Alphonso David, said: “Today, in sending SB 2536 to Governor Reeves, Mississippi became the first state to take the plunge by passing legislation specifically attacking transgender children.
“Mississippi is so determined to be on the wrong side of history that it is defying the evidence in favour of discrimination. There is simply no justification for banning transgender girls and women from participating in athletics other than discrimination.”
Featured Image Credit: Unsplash & ABC News
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