14-02-2025
Lawmakers propose bill to prohibit transgender athletes from playing in women's sports
SANTA FE, N.M. (KRQE) – Lawmakers are proposing a controversial bill to keep trans athletes from playing in women's sports. HB 185 was debated in its first committee on Thursday where it quickly faced strong opposition. The Republican lawmakers behind the bill say it's not a ban, but rather it's about women's safety and protecting their athletic opportunities.
'By requiring that women's sports remain exclusively for women female athletes this bill safeguards the integrity of women-only competitions,' said Representative Andrea Reeb, (R-Clovis).
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Rep. Reeb is one of the lead sponsors for the 'Protection of Women's Sports Act.' The bill aims to keep trans athletes from being able to compete in women's sports. This would only permit athletes biologically born as women to compete, meaning athletes who legally changed their gender on their birth certificates would also be excluded.
If an individual were to suffer harm due to a violation of the act, the bill would also allow those individuals to take legal action and seek damages. The bill drew mixed reactions from attendees.
'Biological differences matter. Studies show that male athletes on average have advantages in speed, and strength and in endurance, even after hormone therapy. This creates an unfair playing field,' said Jodi Hendricks with New Mexico Family Action Movement.
'Far from protecting women this bill would prohibit trans youth, many who are also young girls and young women from playing sports they most identify with and instead force them to play with the same designated sex regardless,' said Duke with the Transgender Resource Center of New Mexico.
The White House also signed an executive order banning trans women from women's sports. Rep. Reeb said a state law is needed to make sure it doesn't get revoked after the current administration. Despite support from some committee members, the majority voted to table the bill, leaving it stalled for now.
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