Published 04/11/2023, 11:30 AM EDT
Bilder des Jahres 2022, News 07 Juli News Themen der Woche KW27 News Bilder des Tages July 7, 2022, Washington, District of Columbia, USA: United States President Joe Biden awards the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Megan Rapinoe, an Olympic gold medalist, two-time Womens World Cup champion and advocate for gender pay equality, racial justice and LGBTQI rights, and sixteen other recipients in the East Room of the White House in Washington, DC on Thursday, July 7, 2022 Washington USA – ZUMAs152 20220707_zaa_s152_154 Copyright: xKenxCedenox-xPoolxviaxCNPx
The issue of transgender athletes being able to participate in sports events took a new turn as athletes like Megan Rapinoe opposed the movement. According to CNN, the Joe Biden Administration proposed a different rule change, where schools can enforce restrictions on transgender student-athletes.
But, they also oppose policies that ‘categorically’ ban students from participating in sports teams consistent with gender. Despite that, reports emerged that the U.S. Department of Education had given schools the flexibility to adopt those policies.
As usual, some fans supported it while others opposed the movement. Significantly, USWNT soccer star Rapinoe signed a letter opposing the Federal Anti-Trans Sports Ban. Including her, around 40 Olympic and Paralympic athletes signed the letter to prevent the Anti-Trans Sports Ban, sending it to the House of Representatives legislative directors on Monday.
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Megan Rapinoe rejects anti-Trans sports ban by sending an opposing letter
Fans know the soccer superstar for her fight against social inequalities and other vital issues. Along with Rapinoe, retired WNBA basketball player and partner Sue Bird and USWNT star Becky Sauerbrunn joined Rapinoe in signing the letter. The LGBTQ advocacy group Athlete Ally organized the letter. Apart from Rapinoe, various athletes from different sports like soccer, hockey, and rugby joined the outspoken soccer icon.
via Getty WASHINGTON, DC – SEPTEMBER 06: Megan Rapinoe #15 of United States wears an Equal Pay scarf and walks off the pitch after winning the friendly match against Nigeria and the watching the signing of the historic collective bargaining agreement signifying equal pay between the men’s and women’s national soccer teams at Audi Field on September 06, 2022 in Washington, DC (Photo by Ira L. Black – Corbis/Getty Images)
According to Sports Illustrated, the letter calls out the Republican-led “Protection of Girls and Women in Sports Act,” HR 734, which would prevent transgender athletes from competing in various sports events in the country. The athletes who signed the bill stated how the bill failed to “protect women in sports.”
They also explained how mental and physical health benefits would be in jeopardy. In addition, the letter focuses on the importance of gender equity in sports.
The new ban imposed in some states
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They also brought the equal pay issue into the limelight through the letter. They wanted the policymakers to understand the athletes who fought for justice throughout these years. Along with these pointers, there is other critical information in the letter.
In the meantime, the U.S. Department of Education gave schools the flexibility to adopt policies based on grade, sport, and level of competition. It also means preventing severe injuries to transgender athletes by ensuring they have a safe environment to partake in sports competitions.
The ruling came in just after Kansas imposed restrictions on transgender athletes. Other states include Tennessee, Oklahoma, South Carolina, and Georgia. People have widely discussed the issue in the country as people would probably challenge the ruling in court.
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Days After President Joe Biden’s Nationwide Rule, Megan Rapinoe and Fiancé Sue Bird Join Other Athletes in Opposing Trans Athlete Ban
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