The Fairness in Women’s Sports Act, which was vetoed last year and received opposition from transgender advocates passed in the Senate on a 29 to 6 vote Tuesday. Franklinton Republican Senator Beth Mizell’s bill prohibits transgender females from competing against women. Mizell said the legislation has wide support.
“Louisiana citizens by a huge majority, like over 80%, believe that Fairness in Women’s Sports is something that they believe in,” said Mizell’s.
On the Senate floor, Alexandria Democrat Senator Jay Luneau spoke in opposition, because the Louisiana High School Athletic Association already has regulations prohibiting transgender females from competing against biological females and it’s not an issue in Louisiana.
“If we pass this legislation, it is my belief that someone will file suit and that they very likely will win that suit and we will have that issue here in the State of Louisiana,” said Luneau.
Mizell responded to Luneau’s statement about LHSAA and said they told her the legislation merely clarifies the language in their policy.
“This is a reinforcement mechanism that gives them the opportunity to standby their gender standards that exist right now,” said Mizell.
Last year Governor John Bel Edwards vetoed the legislation saying the bill was mean-spirited and a solution looking for a problem.
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