ACLU-PA Statement on Senate Committee Vote on Bill to Ban Transgender Athletes From School Sports

HARRISBURG - Today, the Senate Education Committee passed legislation to bar transgender girls and women from participating in scholastic sports based on their gender identity. Governor Tom Wolf has committed to vetoing the legislation, and the bill, House Bill 972, is opposed by a long list of advocates for trans equality and women and girls’ civil rights.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania opposes the legislation, and the ACLU has filed multiple lawsuits in other states that have passed similar bans. The following can be attributed to Naiymah Sanchez, transgender rights organizer for the ACLU of Pennsylvania:

“Inclusive policies that support transgender students lead to healthy outcomes. When trans students feel like they are a part of their school’s community, it benefits their mental health and their academic performance.

“Politicians are using trans youth as political fodder. It’s disgusting. And, according to polls, it is having a serious, negative impact on the well being of trans students and their families.”

The following can be attributed to Elizabeth Randol, legislative director of the ACLU of Pennsylvania:

“This bill doesn’t solve a single problem facing Pennsylvanians. This is a show bill to satisfy a very narrow constituency of people who want to see transgender people erased from public life. We know this bill is not going to become law. Senate leadership should find better ways for their members to spend their time.”