A bill to prohibit transgender athletes from participating in girls’ sports in Louisiana cleared another legislative hurdle. Governor John Bel Edwards vetoed this measure last year, but Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell says the public overwhelming supports her legislation.
“We’ve had a poll done within the state of Louisiana that shows over 80% of Louisianans support protecting women’s sports for biological females,” said Mizell.
Mizell’s measure has been approved by the Senate and today passed out of the House Education Committee on a seven to one vote. One of the governor’s arguments is that the bill is in search of a problem that doesn’t exist in Louisiana. Peyton Rose Michelle with Louisiana Trans Advocates agrees.
“Trans children playing sports is not a problem, please stop wasting time on this and similar bills, we have real problems that need attention,” said Michelle.
In support of the proposal, the panel heard from retired women’s soccer player Anne Metz, who said her career ended when she was blindsided during a game by a biological male who self-identified as a female.
“From what I’ve been told, I was hit for no reason, blindsided, and flew through the air. landing on the side of my head, I was concussed that day and there was nothing that broke my fall, except for my head,” said Metz.
Metz says she has been diagnosed with post-concussion syndrome.
The bill heads to the House floor for final legislative passage.
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