Alaska’s House of Representatives passed a bill late Sunday night that would limit transgender student athletes from participating in sports teams that match their gender identity. The legislation, which sparked heated debate lasting over 17 hours, now heads to the Senate where it’s unlikely to pass.
Democrats, who hold the minority in the House, fiercely opposed the bill. They argued it was discriminatory and would likely lead to lawsuits against the state. They also expressed concerns about the privacy implications and the burden placed on schools to determine a student’s sex at birth.
The bill’s sponsor, Republican Rep. Jamie Allard, defended the legislation, stating it protects fairness in women’s sports by ensuring athletes compete based on their biological sex assigned at birth. Allard rejected claims the bill required invasive procedures to determine a student’s sex.
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Opponents pointed out the potential for cisgender girls, or those who identify with their assigned sex at birth, to face unnecessary scrutiny to verify their biological sex. Concerns were also raised about the lack of clear guidelines for how schools would handle situations where a student’s birth certificate doesn’t reflect their gender identity.
One Democratic lawmaker, Rep. Jennie Armstrong, highlighted the potential negative impact on young children. She argued it’s inappropriate to subject young students to inquiries about their gender identity.
Despite the passionate debate, some Republicans acknowledged the bill’s slim chance of becoming law. However, they emphasized sending a message and taking a stance on the issue.
One Republican co-sponsor, Rep. Sarah Vance, stressed the importance of respecting the dignity of all individuals, including transgender athletes.
The bill’s passage divided the House along party lines, with all Democrats and most independents voting against it. It now moves to the Senate, where it’s expected to be defeated.
