Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act of 2023

Floor Speech

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Ms. BONAMICI. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong opposition to this bill, a bill that puts politics over participation. I am deeply concerned about the increase in and apparent normalization of attacks against trans students.

Contrary to what my Republican colleagues say, this legislation will diminish civil rights, discriminate against students, and dismantle relationships of trust between students and their coaches and educators.

Trans rights are human rights. Denying trans students the opportunity to play on sports teams that are consistent with their gender identity sends a clear message to those students that they don't matter.

If my Republican colleagues are interested in protecting women and girls, I have a long list of priorities that I am eager to work on.

Let's pass commonsense gun violence prevention legislation. Let's pass legislation protecting reproductive freedom. Let's pass paid family leave and medical leave and close the gender pay gap.

We should be working together to create opportunities for every student to thrive with a focus on those who are most vulnerable, especially trans youth.

I want every trans student out there to know I see you, and I will never stop fighting for you. I urge my colleagues to show some humanity, stop attacking trans people, and vote ``no'' on this bill.

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