Republicans in Albany have introduced a bill banning transgender women from female middle- and high-school athletics.
State Sen. George Borrello and Assemblyman Andy Goodell, both representing western New York, quietly introduced the measure last month.
The bill seeks to protect “women’s sports from unfair competition” and would forbid all Empire State public and private schools from allowing biological men to compete in girls’ sports.
“In recent years, there have been instances of high-stakes women’s athletic competitions where the outcome has been swayed by the participation of biological males. Research has found that some of the men’s inherent physical advantages remain, even after they undergo hormone therapy,” Borrello said.
When it comes to “what is a woman” — Borrello said the answer was easy.
“It’s pretty simple as far as I am concerned. Men have XY chromosomes and women have two X chromosomes,” he said, adding that “any form of discrimination based on an individual’s gender identity or any other trait is reprehensible and something I strongly condemn.”
Assemblyman Andy Goodell introduced a measure last month with state Sen. George Borrello to ban transgender women female middle- and high school sports. Hans Pennink
Borrello said he hopes the bill starts a conversation on how to “create a fair and equitable way for sports to be played.” Senator George Borrello
The bill follows similar measures introduced around the country as the issue has become front and center in US culture wars. Lia Thomas, a transgender female swimmer, has become a divisive national sensation for her unusually strong performance on the University of Pennsylvania women’s swim team.
With Dems the majority in both Albany chambers, the bill is likely to die in committee.
“I am hoping that this will start a conversation as to how do we create a fair and equitable way for sports to be played,” said Borrello.
Albany Republicans introduce trans sports bill in legislature
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