Georgia joined 26 other states in introducing legislation to restrict or ban transgender student-athletes from competing on teams that do not align with their sex assigned at birth. Senator Greg Dolezal’s bill, “Fair and Safe Athletic Opportunities Act,” passed its special committee in the senate.
Georgia joined 26 other states in introducing legislation to restrict or ban transgender student-athletes from competing on teams that do not align with their sex assigned at birth. Senator Greg Dolezal’s bill, “Fair and Safe Athletic Opportunities Act,” passed its special committee in the senate.
According to All On Georgia, “The bill would require athletes to participate on teams that align with their biological sex at birth.” This rule would apply to both male and female-identifying athletes, prohibiting females from competing on teams designated as males and males from competing on teams designated as female.
Two former competitors of Lia Thomas spoke during the senate’s hearing last week. Kylee Alons, former swimmer for North Carolina State University, and Kaitlynn Wheeler, former swimmer for the University of Kentucky, both shared the discomfort they felt while competing against Thomas.
In a statement, Sen. Dolezal said, “This summer, I had the privilege of serving as Chairman of the Georgia Senate Special Committee on the Protection of Women’s Sports. As the father of three daughters, I take this issue to heart. Female athletes have worked tirelessly to earn their place in competition, and they deserve a level playing field. Ideologically driven policies that undermine the fairness in women’s sports have no place in Georgia. Our committee dedicated countless hours to thoroughly studying this issue, and I’m proud to say the Majority Caucuses in both the Senate and House stand firmly united in protecting these opportunities for women and girls. I am confident this legislation will move swiftly through the General Assembly and deliver the protection female athletes deserve.”
The bill also addresses the use of locker rooms, bathrooms and changing rooms by transgender student-athletes. The bill stated that it would, “require multiple occupancy restrooms and changing areas and sleeping quarters to be designated for exclusive use by males or females; to prohibit males (…) the use of multiple occupancy restrooms or changing areas and sleeping quarters designated for use by females.”
Georgia’s Lt. governor Burt Jones applauded the introduction of the ‘Fair and Safe Athletic Opportunities Act.’ In a statement, he said, “The Senate continues to lead the way on making these protections for our sisters and daughters a reality. I want to thank the brave women who testified today and shared their personal stories.”
