ARIZONA NEWS

Arizona GOP leaders want to protect law that limits transgender student athletes

May 2, 2023, 12:00 PM

(Pexels Photo)...

(Pexels Photo)

(Pexels Photo)

PHOENIX — Republican leaders in the Arizona Legislature want to protect a state law that bans transgender girls from competing in school sports against biological females.

The parents of two transgender girls filed a lawsuit April 18 in U.S. District Court in Tucson challenging the legislation, which then-Gov. Doug Ducey signed last year.

Senate President Warren Petersen and House Speaker Ben Toma filed a motion to intervene Monday because Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes, a Democrat, disqualified herself from defending the law.

“By allowing males to compete against females, we’re essentially subjecting young girls to greater risk of injury, as well as stripping them of athletic opportunities their female predecessors have long fought for,” Petersen said in a press release.

“In the absence of the attorney general defending Arizona’s law, we’re looking forward to fighting for the rights of female athletes across Arizona, as well as for the court making it clear Arizona’s law protecting women and girls should be enforced.”

The plaintiffs include an 11-year-old who wants to play girls’ soccer, basketball and cross country, and a 15-year-old volleyball player.

“The ban’s exclusion of plaintiffs from participating in school sports because they are transgender denies them equal treatment under the law,” attorneys wrote in the 21-page complaint.

The attorneys also argued the law violates the Equal Protection Clause under the U.S. Constitution and Title IX.

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne, who is a defendant in the challenge, called the lawsuit’s logic “backwards.” It’s about fairness, he added.

“Title IX was aimed at giving girls equal opportunities for playing sports. When a biological boy plays in a girls’ sport, it disadvantages the girls,” Horne, a Republican, told The Associated Press.

LGBTQ+ rights advocates say GOP-backed bills about transgender athletes across the U.S. are anti-trans attacks disguised as protections for children, and that they use trans people as political pawns to galvanize GOP voters ahead of an election year.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Pass it along to the KTAR News team here.

Arizona News

(Pixabay Photo)...

Associated Press

Oath Keeper from Arizona sentenced for role in Jan. 6 riot at US Capitol

Edward Vallejo, a U.S. Army veteran from Phoenix, oversaw a “Quick Reaction Force” at a Virginia hotel that was prepared to deploy an arsenal of weapons into Washington if needed, authorities say.

23 hours ago

FILE - Water from the Colorado River diverted through the Central Arizona Project fills an irrigati...

Brandon Gray

Governor Hobbs unveils groundwater model, announces $40M investment in water conservation

Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs unveiled a groundwater model and the Arizona Department of Water Resources' latest study the state's conditions.

23 hours ago

Desiree Rivas. (Phoenix Police Department)...

Brandon Gray

‘We just want justice’: Family pleads for information on teen’s murder at Phoenix graduation party

The family of Desiree Rivas is asking anyone with information about the shooting that left the cheerleader dead to contact authorities.

23 hours ago

Interstate 10 was widened between Verrado Way and State Route 85 in Buckeye, Arizona, as part of an...

Kevin Stone

$82M widening project on Interstate 10 in West Valley nears completion

West Valley drivers have more room to maneuver as an $82 million Interstate 10 widening project nears the finish line.

23 hours ago

(Phoenix Fan Fusion Photo)...

KTAR.com

Phoenix Fan Fusion returning to the Valley this weekend

Pop culture convention Phoenix Fan Fusion takes place this weekend, bringing Valley enthusiasts together to meet creators and each other.

23 hours ago

Maricopa County Supervisor Bill Gates, shown speaking to reporters on Nov. 10, 2022, in Phoenix, Ar...

Kevin Stone

Maricopa County Supervisor Bill Gates not seeking reelection in 2024

Maricopa County Supervisor Bill Gates announced Thursday that he won’t seek reelection to a third term in 2024.

23 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

...

SANDERSON FORD

Thank you to Al McCoy for 51 years as voice of the Phoenix Suns

Sanderson Ford wants to share its thanks to Al McCoy for the impact he made in the Valley for more than a half-decade.

(Photo by Michael Matthey/picture alliance via Getty Images)...

Cox Communications

Valley Boys & Girls Club uses esports to help kids make healthy choices

KTAR’s Community Spotlight focuses on the Boys & Girls Club of the Valley and the work to incorporate esports into children's lives.

...

Day & Night Air Conditioning, Heating and Plumbing

Company looking for oldest air conditioner and wants to reward homeowner with new one

Does your air conditioner make weird noises or a burning smell when it starts? If so, you may be due for an AC unit replacement.

Arizona GOP leaders want to protect law that limits transgender student athletes