TALLAHASSEE, FL – The Florida House of Representatives today passed HB1475, the anti-trans sports ban bill. This bill would prevent transgender students from playing sports on teams that match their gender identity. As a result, it would discriminate against individuals on the basis of sex and because they are transgender, in violation of the United States Constitution and Title IX of the Civil Rights Act.
Kara Gross, legislative director and senior policy counsel, responded to today’s vote with the following:
“Transgender athletes have the right to participate in school sports. They have a right to find a sense of belonging and to be part of a team. Trans people belong. To prohibit them from doing otherwise is simply unconstitutional.
“All House members who passed this hateful measure are compromising the health, social and emotional development, and safety of trans students. If passed into law, this bill would alienate trans students, embolden discriminatory behaviors from staff and other students and make for hostile school environments. It perpetuates harmful myths about transgender people and reduces trans students to political pawns. It runs counter to the public need of creating safe and nurturing environments for all students.
“This cannot stand. We must not allow Florida to play a part in this coordinated and national attack on transgender kids. We urge the Florida Senate to stand up for trans students statewide by voting no on this discriminatory bill. Along with our partners and thousands of activists, we make the simple demand to our leaders in Tallahassee to create policies that will treat all people with equity, dignity, and respect.”
