Members of the Georgia State Senate voted 34 to 22 this afternoon to pass SB 435, a measure intended to exclude trans students from playing school sports in the gender they live every day. The NCAA, the International Olympic Committee, the Women’s Sports Foundation, and more all support the inclusion of transgender people in sports. Proponents of this bill are wasting time and taxpayer dollars trying to interfere in kids’ sports when experts are already making sure that all students are treated fairly.

“The results of today’s vote have left us disappointed but determined,” said Jeff Graham, executive director of Georgia Equality. “The rationale for advancing this bill is based upon lies and distortions. Every child should have the opportunity to play sports to help them learn about teamwork, discipline and sportsmanship. Just let them play.”

The proposed legislation does nothing to protect or support student sports, rather it serves only to spread hateful stereotypes and endangers children and their ability to fully participate in important extracurricular activities. SB 435 is trying to fix a problem that doesn’t exist.

Georgia Equality, along with its partners and members across the state, will continue to oppose this bill as it moves to the Georgia House of Representatives.

 

Wes Sanders Han-Burgess

Development and Communications Director