President Donald Trump is set to sign an executive order on National Girls & Women in Sports Day that would prevent transgender women from competing in women’s sports, referred to as the “No Men in Women’s Sports Executive Order.” This decision follows a divisive discussion leading up to the November elections, with Trump stating he would keep men out of women’s sports. The order is expected to involve interpretations of Title IX, a law preventing sex-based discrimination in federally funded education programs.
A Gallup survey in May 2023 found that 70% of respondents believe trans athletes should only compete in sports teams that align with their birth sex, and 27 states already have policies banning transgender students from sports based on their gender identity. Two vocal opponents of transgender women in women’s spaces, Rep. Nancy Mace and former swimmer Riley Gaines, have expressed support for the order.
The LGBTQ advocacy group Human Rights Campaign has warned against a “blanket ban” on trans women and girls in female sports, stating it could lead to harassment and discrimination. Trump has previously signed executive orders restricting transgender rights, including recognizing only two sexes on Inauguration Day and banning transgender people from openly serving in the military. This new order has sparked controversy surrounding the rights and inclusion of transgender individuals in sports and society.
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