January 1, Iowa Bans Trans Athletes from Women’s Sports

Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds signed a bill banning trans athletes from playing on girls’ K-12 and collegiate sports teams, effective immediately.

“Forcing females to compete against males is the opposite of inclusivity and it’s completely unfair,” Reynolds said.

Becky Smith, executive director of LGBTQ youth advocacy group Iowa Safe Schools, says no equity problems arose when trans girls were allowed to play sports in the state.

“The passage of this bill will directly result in increased suicidality, disparate mental health outcomes, and further isolation of trans children,” Smith said.

The bill is likely to face legal challenges. Advocacy groups like the ACLU have filed lawsuits after similar bills passed in states like Florida and West Virginia.

The Justice Department challenged a ban in West Virginia, arguing that it violates Title IX and the 14th Amendment.

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Gov. Reynolds signs Iowa bill banning trans girls from women’s sports