01/14/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 01/14/2025 14:24
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Equality California released the following statement from Executive Director Tony Hoangin response to the passage of H.R. 28: the Protection of Women and Girls and Sports Act by the House of Representatives in a 218-206 vote:
"Just weeks after being sworn in, anti-LGBTQ+ lawmakers in Congress are making attacks against transgender student-athletes their top priority. Instead of tackling the problems facing everyday Americans, Speaker Mike Johnson and his fellow far-right activists are using transgender youth as pawns in a shameful display of divisive politics. This harmful legislation would effectively ban transgender student-athletes from participating in sports by redefining Title IX.
Today's vote, along with the recent federal court decision striking down the Biden administration's proposed Title IX guidance protecting transgender athletes, represents yet another effort to deny transgender youth the dignity and respect they deserve. Title IX is a critical safeguard that ensures all students, including LGBTQ+ students, are protected from discrimination and can learn in a safe, welcoming environment.
Participation in sports provides kids with invaluable life skills such as teamwork, leadership, discipline, and cooperation-fundamental lessons that every young person deserves the chance to experience. Beyond the field, sports also contribute significantly to students' overall well-being, fostering better mental health, boosting academic performance, and enhancing self-esteem and confidence.
Local schools and athletic associations across the country are already creating policies that protect transgender youth and ensure a level playing field for all students-and they're working. Our schools should be focused on providing the best possible education and helping to improve the well-being of all students, not actively harming students' mental health and creating a hostile environment by singling out certain people. Every child deserves equal access to these opportunities.
We are grateful to all of the House members who ignored the misinformation, especially those from California - not a single member from the California Democratic delegation supported this discriminatory bill. Equality California will continue to partner with our legislative allies in Congress to work to build a world that is healthy, just, and fully equal for all LGBTQ+ people."
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Equality California is the nation's largest statewide LGBTQ civil rights organization. We bring the voices of LGBTQ people and allies to institutions of power in California and across the United States, striving to create a world that is healthy, just, and fully equal for all LGBTQ people. We advance civil rights and social justice by inspiring, advocating and mobilizing through an inclusive movement that works tirelessly on behalf of those we serve. www.eqca.org