The Fairness in Women’s Sports Act bill will return to the Senate after passing through the House on a 72 to 21 vote with a minor amendment that will require Senate approval. This was the same legislation that was responsible for the historic veto session last year. Metairie Representative Laurie Schlegel presented the bill in the House.
“As we’ve not discussed and debated this for two sessions, and I’m sure everyone knows how they are going to vote. And what’s become more apparent this year is the need to protect women’s sports,” said Schlegel.
She then referred to the transgender female swimmer that won an NCAA championship.
Shreveport Representative Sam Jenkins spoke in opposition to the bill, saying the bill is a solution to a problem that doesn’t exist in Louisiana. Jenkins said the bill is an attack on vulnerable transgender children.
“When these kids hear about legislation like this we’re doing nothing more than but hurting them and these children, our children, will only see this an attack,” said Jenkins.
Baton Rouge Representative Rick Edmonds, who spoke in favor of Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell’s legislation said that supporting the legislation does not make you a bully or anti-transgender.
“This bill is particular about one thing; do we have the will to protect our young girls and young women that want to participate in female sports?” said Edmonds.
The bill was amended to remove intramural sports from the legislation and restricted to competitive sports in Louisiana schools, colleges, and universities.
Comments