DENTON (CBSNewsTexas.com) — Amid chants of “protect trans lives,” dozens of individuals—together with members of the LGBTQ group—stood exterior Texas Woman’s University with a message for Governor Greg Abbott in regards to the new state legislation requiring athletes at public faculties and universities to compete on groups the identical as their organic intercourse.
“I think he needs to realize trans people are people, trans Texans are Texans, and his legislation is supposed to protect Texans. But he’s not protecting trans people, he’s hurting trans people,” stated one pupil named Eliot.
Inside, on the Texas Woman’s Hall of Fame, two former school swimmers Paula Scanlon and Riley Gaines joined lawmakers and athletes as Gov. Abbott signed the Save Women’s Sports Act.
Gaines, an NCAA all-American on the University of Kentucky, stated when she competed final yr in opposition to Lia Thomas, a transgender lady on the University of Pennsylvania, they tied—however solely Thomas acquired a trophy.
She stated it was unfair to her and different ladies.
“When Governor Abbott signed the Save the Womens Sports Act this summer, he sent a message to approximately 15 million Texan women that they will be treated fairly on the playing fields, in the sports arenas, and inside the locker rooms,” Gaines stated.
Protesters stated many individuals within the LGBTQ group really feel as if Republicans on the Capitol have been focusing on their group.
“We’re here standing against the flood of legislation that has been attacking trans people,” Denton resident Jo Hargis stated. “We’re here today to stand up and say we don’t agree with Greg Abbott attacking trans athletes.”
State Representative Terry Meza (D-Irving) voted in opposition to the Save Women’s Sports laws and different payments. “We’ve had anti-LGBTQ bills before, but this session had an unusually high number, so I do understand their concerns they feel targeted.”
The governor had a message for protestors and others against the Save Women’s Sports Act:
“How will they explain to Riley and Paula and to other women how they have been marginalized? They’re the ones who went through the training, not the protesters out there. They devoted their lives, working harder probably than anybody in this room. Longer days, longer nights, sacrificing so much to achieve a goal, only to have the goal erased by being forced to compete against a man.”
Paula Scanlon, who swam for the University of Pennsylvania and was a teammate of Thomas stated, “Any discussion of maintaining the sanctity of women’s sports is labeled transphobic, bigoted and hateful. What’s bigoted and hateful is the discrimination against women and girls happening across the country.”
The new legislation takes impact Sept. 1, and the governor vowed to defend it vigorously if challenged in courtroom.
Private faculties and universities in Texas can comply with the brand new state legislation however are usually not required to take action.
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