Idaho State Capitol – On Wednesday, a bill to ban the participation of transgender athletes in girls sports passed the House. The legislation would require female athletes to undergo DNA analysis and an invasive internal and external examination of reproductive organs in order to participate in high school sports. Currently, the Idaho High School Activities Association (IHSAA) has policies in place that allow transgender athletes the opportunity to participate in the sports teams consistent with their gender identity.
“All athletes should have the opportunity to participate in the sports that best align with their gender.” Representative Melissa Wintrow/(D-Boise) said. “This discriminatory legislation only serves to eliminate opportunities for young girls to participate in sports and further disenfranchise and endanger an already vulnerable population.”
“This is addressing a problem that does not exist in Idaho. The NCAA and the Olympic Committee both allow avenues for transgender athletes to participate in sports based on their gender identity. There is no reason that Idaho should be holding our high school athletes to a higher standard than the Olympics. This legislation would allow anyone to dispute the gender of young girls. The legislation does not outline who can or cannot accuse someone of lying about their gender. Parents, coaches, students, and anyone else can mandate that a young girl gets their genitals examined by a doctor. We will be putting Idaho’s children on trial to prove their gender. I cannot think of a more heinous government overreach than mandating reproductive organ exams for children.”
“As a legislature, we have all made a commitment to protect the rights and safety of all Idahoans and this legislation infringes on that promise. Participation in sports increases confidence, reduces the risk of suicide, and promotes mental and physical health. Rates of suicide in transgender youth are already high and eliminating their opportunity to participate in sports will further increase their risk of suicide. This dangerous legislation promotes a discriminatory, invasive agenda that does not offer equal and ample opportunity for girls to participate in sports.”