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The new law in Texas was passed during a special legislative session at the call of Abbott, who is running for reelection next year and is facing serious challenges from fellow Republicans. for the first time in his quarter-century career in public office.
Proponents of the new law say it promotes justice, because without such a law, women’s sports could be dominated by transgender athletes who enjoy the strength gains provided by male hormones typically produced during puberty.
“Bill 25 is one of the biggest victories for equality for girls since Title IX passed 50 years ago!” primary sponsor, Valoree SwansonA state representative from a district north of Houston said in a statement. “I’m so happy that Governor Abbott signed the bill!”
But according to critics, these laws appear primarily designed to appease certain voters and exaggerate the threat to girls’ sports.
While there is little scientific research on transgender athletes, there are relatively few people who would be directly affected by laws like HB 25. Joanna Harper, a researcher at Loughborough University in England who studies the effects of hormone therapy on trans athletes, said: He told The New York Times last year About 50 out of 200,000 women in college sports at any given time are transgender.
Critics of the bans say such laws could have a significant impact on the well-being of their families, as well as the small number of young people targeted.
“Trans children and adults in Texas and everywhere deserve love and support, peace of mind, health, happiness, carefreeness, and a focus on living their greatest potential,” said Ricardo Martinez, CEO of Equality Texas. The state’s largest LGBTQ organization. “They deserve not to be debated, but to be affirmed, and the right to exist without governments trying to push them out of everyday life,” he said.
J. David Goodman contributing reporting.
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