Michigan Republican lawmakers are rallying behind a bill that would limit transgender athletes to competing in sports based on their assigned anatomy at birth. However, the Michigan High School Athletic Association is calling the bill unnecessary.
Senate bill 218 was introduced last week by Republican Senator Lana Theis. 12 other Republicans co-sponsored the measure -- which would require transgender student athletes to compete in sports based on their anatomy identified at birth. In a statement Theis said:
“As a society, we fought for generations to ensure girls and women, through Title IX, have an equal opportunity to compete in athletics on a level playing field,” says Theis.
She goes onto claim biological females are losing opportunities at titles, records and scholarships.
However, the Michigan High School Athletic Association spoke out against the bill, calling it “unnecessary,” and noted it’s averaged two inquiries per year related to its transgender policy over the past five years, saying:
“Our policy is effective and compassionate, our schools are happy with it, and it has been followed without issue. Additionally, we feel this legislations takes away opportunities for all female athletes,” said Theis.
During the 2018-19 school year we had more than 800 girls participate on boys teams, and they would not be allowed to do so under this legislation.