American football star says trans players ‘do not pose a threat to women’s sports’

“The proposed ‘Women’s Sports Rescue Act’ does nothing to protect or support girls and women in sports,” Sauerbrunn writes. “If those who are pushing for this legislation really listened to the needs and concerns of women in sports, they would set out clear steps to protect women and girls from the rampant sexual violence and harassment that plagues sports, issues that we fight at the NWSL. They will explain what is being done to ensure that all institutions in Missouri are Title IX compliant. They will outline a plan to promote equal pay for female athletes. They will provide young women and girls with equal opportunities in sports, especially girls and girls of color. Instead, they are pushing kids away from the life-changing power of sport, forever depriving them of the invaluable lessons that sport teaches and the best friends they could have on their teams.”

Of course, it is safe to say that the protection of women from assault and harassment is one of the main goals that legislators try to achieve with their legislation. There have been several proven and alleged cases of transgender individuals harassing or assaulting biological women in locker rooms and swimming pools in states that allow men who identify as women to associate with women.

“I’ve been an advocate for gender equality in sports for a long time and I’m fed up with seeing trans youth brutally targeted to score political points,” Sauerbrunn continued. “Transgender people are just them, people, not tools that can be used to climb the political ladder. I’m not alone – hundreds of other elite athletes, from Billie Jean King to Candace Parker, have constantly voiced loud protests against bills almost identical to those before the Missouri Senate. Thousands of college athletes have signed letters in support of transgender athletes and against similar discriminatory bills.”