RICHMOND, Va. — A controversial bill that would require student-athletes in Virginia to compete on teams based on their "biological sex" is moving forward. With six votes, House Bill 1387 passed the Post-Secondary and Higher Education subcommittee on Monday.
The proposed bill, sponsored by Del. Karen Greenhalgh (R -City of Virginia Beach), would prevent transgender students from competing in sports that match their gender identities. If passed, it would affect children in interscholastic, intercollegiate, intramural, or club athletic teams or sports sponsored by a public elementary, middle and high schools, and colleges.
"The purpose of House Bill 1387 is to protect our girls and young women from being forced to compete against biological males," Greenhalgh said. "Similarly gifted and trained males will always have the physical advantage over females, which is the reason why we have women sports."
HB 1387 would prohibit any team or sport that is "expressly designated for females, women, or girls from being open to students whose biological sex is male."
Schools must designate teams by only males, females or co-ed. Students would have to identify their "biological sex" on an athletics eligibility form and have it signed by a licensed physician.
"I can't imagine the mental and emotional distress for these biological girls who spend years training and working and having dreams only to have to compete against biological men," Greenhalgh added. "They cannot win."
Supporters argue the bill would protect the integrity of a sport.
"Passage of this legislation will ensure that Virginia's young girls and women who often train long and hard will be able to compete on a fair footing in their respective competitive sports," Susan Muskett of Pro-Family Women said.
The bill has been described as mean-spirited, discriminatory and offensive. Many opponents also spoke up during the meeting, some of whom are transgender.
"I think what these bills fail to recognize is the social aspect of sports," University of Virginia student Rowan Adams said. "Sports give you friends and a sense of belonging, which is especially important when you're a kid figuring out who you are and where you belong."
Del. Eileen Filler-Corn (D-Fairfax County), pushed back against the bill. She questioned how many people are actually being affected.
"We have had transgender youth living in the Commonwealth," Filler-Corn said. "There's no takeover of women's sports up until now. I just don't understand why this conversation continues?"
"If one girl loses her chance to win, that’s enough," Greenhalgh replied.
HB 1387 now heads to the full subcommittee on Wednesday.
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