An overwhelming number of Republicans passed an anti-trans sports bill, HF 2416, out of the Iowa House. Fifty-five Republicans voted to move the bill forward to the Iowa Senate, who are likely to debate the bill this week, and 39 lawmakers voted against it, as reported by the Des Moines Register. Disturbingly, Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds has already signaled support for this sort of exclusionary, discriminatory legislation, and in fact, prompted lawmakers to get this sort of bill going last year.
This particular measure follows the now-familiar conservative script of banning trans girls from participating in girls’ and women’s sports. This bill applies to both public and private schools, as well as colleges and universities in the state, starting in kindergarten.
The bill, like others of this type, seeks to define “a person’s biological sex” as “listed on a student’s official birth certificate” at or near the time of birth or issued upon adoption. This means that trans youth who are able to update their official documents to reflect their accurate sex, name, and so on, wouldn’t be allowed to participate on the correct team. It also means trans girls who haven’t updated their birth certificates couldn’t either. Basically, they can’t win.
This legislation follows another alarming trend of allowing (cisgender) students who feel they suffer indirect or direct “harm” by a school violating this measure (meaning allowing a trans girl to play on the girls’ team in spite of the legislation) to sue for retaliatory damages. This puts schools and organizations in a position where even if they want to do the right thing by letting trans girls play, they’re essentially putting themselves at great risk.
Young people testified at the hearing, including a middle-schooler who shared opinions considerably similar to right-wing talking points. This is perhaps one of the saddest, most frustrating moments of ongoing coverage on these cases, as it is so worrisome for trans classmates who have to hear this sort of argument from the mouths of peers.
“They are biologically male,” seventh-grader Poppy Malone said, as reported by local outlet KCRG. “They have a lot more testosterone and their muscles develop differently, making them stronger.”
I don’t want to pick apart a child’s understanding of science, and won’t. I will say this is a great example of why getting into the weeds of conservative rhetoric and trying to argue about the minutia of hormones and development is, frankly, not the point. Medical experts and governing sports bodies have long supported trans inclusion in sports (including at the literal Olympics), and I feel more than safe saying those experts have a far more nuanced perspective and rationale than folks—including lawmakers—whose arguments essentially come down to “boys are strong” and “girls are weak.”
A brave openly trans student-athlete, Gavy Smith, also spoke, saying they love sports because they love sharing time with friends.
“I’d feel sad I couldn’t participate with friends like most girls my age,” they told lawmakers.
That’s really what it comes down to: Trans youth are youth. They are young people who are already more likely to experience discrimination, bullying, and mental health issues. They are already more likely to become homeless. They are more likely to leave school without a diploma. School sports are an excellent opportunity for kids and teenagers to form bonds, learn life lessons, and gain confidence and new skills.
If you believe trans girls are girls—are they are—keeping them off of girls’ teams is discrimination. Full stop. If you don’t agree, what questions do you have that might help you see things differently?
Sign the petition: Demand the Senate pass the Equality Act and protect the LGBTQ community from discrimination.