Tennesseans react to new law banning transgender athletes from female sports - FOX13 Memphis
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A new law is on the books in the state of Tennessee.
House Bill 2316 would ban transgender athletes from participating in college women’s sports.
The bill got the official signature from Governor Bill Lee on May 6, but it hasn’t gotten 100-percent backing from Tennesseans.
FOX13′s reporter Lakiya Scott spoke with some in favor of the new measure that would prevent those born males from competing against women, but those in opposition said the bill discriminates against the transgender community.
“It’s not really harming anyone being transgender,” said Memphis resident Georgia Tedford, “it’s just you living your life. I don’t really see the dispute about it.”
According to the Tennessee General Assembly the bill “prohibits males from participating in public higher education sports that are designated for females.”
Some Memphis residents FOX13 spoke with share strong opposition to the language of the law.
“I don’t like our Governor; I haven’t liked pretty much anything he’s ever done and I’d pretty much like him to leave our state,” said David Carrier who said the transgender ban is discriminatory. “I think it’s people trying to exclude somebody from participating in stuff, which I don’t care for at all.”
However, there are advocates in favor of the new law.
“If you were born a male and you’re wrestling against a female, of course, you will have the upper hand because you are male; you will have male hormones,” said Michael, a Memphis resident who only shared his first name. Michael went on and said men should compete against men and women should compete against women.
Meantime, there’s a separate state ban preventing transgender athletes from playing in girls’ public middle and high school sports.
Lawmakers also recently approved a bill that would penalize public K-12 schools in violation of the transgender ban.
Governor Lee has been quoted with transgender athletes participating in female sports would “destroy women’s sports”.
The new law takes effect on Jul. 1st.
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source: https://www.fox13memphis.com/news/local/tennesseans-react-new-law-banning-transgender-athletes-female-sports/NKUZNTCLFFAELPAAOHR76V7XIY/
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