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A Kentucky state representative prefiled a bill this week that would exclude transgender girls and women from participating in female sports at public schools and universities.
Republican state Rep. Ryan Dotson said the legislation is meant to protect the integrity of women’s sports, according to a readout obtained by a local CBS affiliate WKYT.
“Research shows that transgender women have a muscle-mass advantage over biological women, even if they take a testosterone suppressant,” Dotson wrote. “Allowing transgender women to participate in women’s sports gives transgender women an unfair advantage.”
Dotson underscored his focus is providing opportunities for women to earn scholarships and financial aid for college support.
LGBT activists expressed concern the legislation would infringe the rights of transgender students.
“It’s just beyond comprehension to me that they would double down on discrimination during Pride Month in order to send a message,” said Chris Hartman, executive director of Kentucky Fairness Campaign. “It sends a message of fear to the LGBTQ community.”
The Kentucky High School Athletic Association has a policy ruling student-athletes should participate on sports teams according to the gender listed on their birth certificate “unless they were legally reassigned,” according to WKYT.
Because the bill was prefiled ahead of the state Legislature’s regular session, lawmakers may choose to discuss the bill during the next legislative session in January.
At least 31 state legislatures across the nation have filed similar bills, and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill last week that accomplishes the same goals of the Kentucky measure.
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The Washington Examiner contacted Dotson’s office and KHSAA but did not immediately receive a response.
Tags: News, Transgender Issues, Kentucky, LGBT, Republican, Sports
Original Author: Kaelan Deese
Original Location: Kentucky bill would block transgender girls from female school sports teams
