Sen. Reuben Gallego (D-Ariz.) believes that Democrats ought to be more receptive to “legal” concerns surrounding transgender students’ participation in women’s sports, representing a shift among recent Democrats in addressing issues previously championed by Republicans.
“As a father of a daughter, I think it’s valid for parents to be concerned about their daughter’s safety and fair competition,” Gallego stated in an interview released by The Dispatch, a right-leaning digital magazine. “Moreover, the parents of these transgender kids are understandably worried about their health and well-being.”
“There are certain sports where some transgender kids shouldn’t participate,” he elaborated, arguing that local bodies such as school boards and athletic associations should set eligibility criteria and determine which sports should be segregated based on birth gender.
However, he insisted that the message to transgender youth should be one of inclusion and compassion. “We love you and want you in our community, but there are some spaces where you can’t compete, and let’s explore other activities for your involvement,” Gallego added.
The Arizona state legislator, who was first elected to the House in 2014 after winning a competitive Senate seat last year, has previously advocated for congressional measures supporting transgender rights.
He has co-sponsored the Equality Act, which establishes federally protected classes for sexual orientation and gender identity, and served as the vice-chairman of the Congressional Equality Caucus, working to advance LGBTQ rights in the House.
The Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest LGBTQ advocacy organization, endorsed Gallego’s Senate campaign, but did not immediately comment on his statements regarding transgender athletes.
Over half of U.S. states, including Arizona, have instituted laws that either entirely ban or restrict transgender students from competing in school sports corresponding to their gender identity. Recent federal court rulings have blocked the enforcement of laws enacted in Arizona, Idaho, Montana, Utah, West Virginia, and New Hampshire.
Gallego is among several Democrats expressing opposition to trans girls participating in girls’ sports.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D)—a potential candidate for the 2028 Democratic presidential nomination, alongside Gallego—has remarked on the “deeply unfair” competition trans athletes create alongside cisgender girls and is open to discussing participation restrictions in California.
In reaction to a policy issued by the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) this week, which would allow more girls to compete at state athletic championship events where transgender girls qualify, a spokesperson for Newsom claimed that the governor is “encouraged by this thoughtful approach.”
“The proposed CIF pilot is a rational and respectful means to navigate complex issues without compromising competitive fairness. It’s a model worth pursuing,” said spokesman Izzy Gerdon.
At least four other Democratic members of Congress have also opposed transgender student-athletes participating in girls’ and women’s sports.
Democrats Tom Suozzi (NY) and Seth Moulton (MA) voiced their disagreement with the party’s predominant support for trans athletes post-November elections, as GOP candidates, including former President Trump, spotlighted trans rights throughout the campaign.
In January, Texas lawmakers Vicente González and Henry Cuellar were the only Democrats to vote alongside Republicans on related legislation.
“We believe in fair rules that maintain integrity in sports, and boys shouldn’t compete in women’s sports,” González stated following the vote. A spokesperson for Cuellar mentioned that a Texas lawmaker who opposed a similar bill in 2023 changed their vote based on feedback from constituents.
A New York Times/Ipsos poll from February revealed that 79% of surveyed Americans believe transgender athletes should not participate in women’s sports. A Pew Research Center Survey released the same month found increased American support for policies restricting transgender rights.
An AP-NORC poll conducted this month indicated that about half of U.S. adults have approved of Trump’s approach to transgender issues, including 19% of Democrats. The president has been addressing trans rights through sweeping policy changes and executive orders, including directives aimed at barring transgender athletes from girls’ sports.
Source: thehill.com