Thread by @LauraRBelin

I'm listening to Iowa Senate subcommittee meeting on the bill to discriminate against #trans girls and women in sports.
One of the teenage girls who spoke in favor of the bill claimed letting "biological males" play girls sports would violate Title VII (SCOTUS wd say otherwise).

I missed first few minutes of meeting (Zoom issues) but so far I've only seen speakers in favor of bill.
Sometimes #ialegis committees alternate speakers in support/opposed.
Curious to see how much time Rs give opponents to speak.
Meeting scheduled w/less than 24 hrs notice.

It's pretty sad to hear these teenage girls talk about how girls would have no chance to do well in sports if trans kids are allowed to play. Someone has convinced them that huge numbers of trans girls will prevent others from making varsity or qualifying for state tournament.

This girl" "What about my feelings?" "Girls like me will never run in the state meet." "We won't be here for much longer, because we won't even make the team." "Girls' sports as a whole are going to be gone."
How many trans kids does she think will go out for track?

Finally, someone is speaking against the bill (teenage girl athlete who has been captain of multiple teams). Powerful remarks noting that discrimination hurts trans kids but also all female athletes.

Emily Piper of Iowa Association of School Boards now speaking against the bill. Would put school districts in "impossible situation" where they have to choose between complying with state law or federal law. Will inevitably lead to lawsuits, costing lots of money.

Another high school student speaking against the bill. Notes that trans kids have varying athletic abilities, just like other kids. No evidence that males are transitioning to have an unfair advantage over females in sports.

Transgender teen from Decorah high school speaking now. She loves playing sports with her friends and is talking about how this bill would block her from doing that. Bill doesn't fix a problem, it creates one. She just wants to have fun playing sports.

Mother speaking now against bill, which would prevent her transgender daughter from playing sports. She has played several sports.
Mother notes that no girl in Iowa has ever been prevented from getting a scholarship or breaking a record because of competition from a trans girl.

High school student who has participated in sports & cheerleading now speaking against bill. It perpetuates idea that girls are weak. Notes that trans athletes have been allowed to participate in Olympics for 20 years but there has been no "domination."

Amrei Blasing, trans woman and mother, combat veteran, speaking now. Noted that a girl who loses a volleyball game to a team with a trans player is not likely to commit suicide. But a trans girl barred from playing may feel she has nothing to live for.

Amrei Blasing has attempted suicide before. Soccer has pulled her back from dark places and without being able to play, she thinks she might be dead.
Asks senators to oppose bill.

Pete McRoberts speaking on behalf of @ACLUiowa against bill. Supporters of bill cite the same few stories, which are extremely rare.
This bill includes middle school students & 9th graders who will never deny anyone a scholarship. They're not villains. They're at risk.

Tanvi Yenna, a therapist in Ottumwa, speaking against bill now. She has worked with #LGBTQ youth, including trans and nonbinary youth. She's seen higher levels of anxiety, depression, self-harm. Feelings lead to actions like suicidal thoughts & behaviors.

Tanvi Yenna: bill would strip away opportunities to make friendships and have normal childhood experiences.

Trans teen who is a Des Moines high school student speaking now. Bill would add to hardships people like her face on a daily basis.
The process of transitioning takes years and is very expensive. People aren't going to do that just to get an edge in sports.

Pediatrician speaking now against bill. Support from families and schools is very important for trans kids. This can prevent poor physical and mental health outcomes including suicidality.
Sports are an important part of feeling kids are accepted at school.

Becky Smith, exec director of @iowasafeschools, speaking now against bill. When we restrict transgender athletes, we prevent them from having so many experiences that are beneficial to their health.
Also, limiting participation based on "biological sex" wd affect intersex kids.

Danny Carroll of the social conservative group FAMiLY leader speaking in favor of bill. Says science shows boys have "superior" ability and should have no place in girls sports.

Side note: FAMiLY Leader opposes women's rights in many other areas, so it's amazing to see them posture as advocates for girls.

Subcommittee chair Tim Goodwin (R) moving to comments from senators. @SenClaireCelsi speaking first against bill. "Trans girls are girls. This bill would catastrophically affect" girls from youngest sports teams to college level.
Gov Reynolds "invented" this problem on Fox News.

.@SenClaireCelsi notes @IAGovernor didn't object when @UIowa cut several women's sports last year.
A lawsuit led to some sports being reinstated but Gov Reynolds said nothing about opportunities for women to play.

.@SenClaireCelsi notes President Biden issued an executive order related to trans equality, stemming from SCOTUS ruling.
"We should stop using young people to make a political point, and that's what this bill is about."

Democratic Sen Herman Quirmbach speaking now. Praised all of the young people who came to speak.
Notes there seems to be an idea that there will be a flood of people with Y chromosomes claiming to be female to get a spot on a sports team. Please look at reality.

Quirmbach noted that trans kids face discrimination and bullying. The notion that someone with male genitalia will transition to being female only to get a spot on a sports team is "simply irrational. It isn't going to happen."

Quirmbach says we can't pass a bill that will lead to more suicides and other problems. We must recognize people for who they are, and not simply for their biological traits.

Republican Senator Chris Cournoyer speaking now. She played four sports in high school and still participates in sports today. She says she wants everyone to have those benefits "on a level playing field." She wants to "continue the conversation."

Republican Senator Tim Goodwin says bill is about fairness, "showing our young female athletes that we see you, we hear you, and we will stand by you."
Senator Sinclair didn't speak but she introduced bill and will advance it from subcommittee. Meeting's over.