Senator Roger Marshall's Amendment Threatens Federal Funding for States That Support Transgender Athletes

A proposed amendment by Senator Roger Marshall (R-KS) to the $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief package would deny federal funds to states that allow transgender girls to participate in girls' sports from K-12 and college, undermining NCAA rules and state laws that have ensured equal opportunity for transgender and cisgender athletes. This move is seen as a cynical attempt to score political points and harm the LGBTQ community, particularly transgender children. The amendment threatens to deprive schools in 20 states, including Colorado, Florida, New Hampshire, and Nevada, of federal funds needed to reopen safely.

Key Takeaways:

• Senator Roger Marshall's amendment aims to deny federal funds to states that allow transgender girls to participate in girls' sports, undermining NCAA rules and state laws.
• The amendment targets 20 states, including Colorado, Florida, New Hampshire, and Nevada, that have supported transgender athletes.
• Republicans are using the relief bill to demean and dehumanize LGBTQ people to score political points, contrary to their own priorities of reopening the economy and schools.
• Transgender people have been participating in sports consistent with their gender identity for decades, making this a manufactured problem.
• The Human Rights Campaign strongly condemns the amendment and urges Senators to vote against it.

Statistics:

• 20 states are at risk of losing federal funding for schools if the amendment is passed.
• The relief package totals $1.9 trillion, with the proposed amendment aiming to deny funds to states that support transgender athletes.
• Transgender people have been participating in sports for decades, with no evidence of a "problem" requiring state-level intervention.

Sources:

• The Human Rights Campaign, news release, March 5, 2021