Bill targeting transgender athletes in Florida called ‘discriminatory’

A bill moving through the Florida legislature that would ban transgender athletes from playing in women’s high school and college sports is sparking some controversy.

The bill may also face legal challenges.

A Florida House panel passed the Fairness in Female Sports Act, prohibiting transgender girls from competing in women’s sports.

Robyn Reeder is about to become the first transgender woman to compete in the U.S. Open Pickleball Championship in Naples, and she called the bill discriminatory.

“This bill is total discrimination against transgender individuals.”

Lawmakers believe the bill will level the playing field, but Reeder said that’s ridiculous.

“Before coming out, I could lift 250 pounds, I can bench 250; I’m lucky to do 75 now because my muscle mass changes right because the estrogen changes your muscle mass.”

The bill requires athletes to be biologically eligible and get a doctor’s approval that they are indeed female, with the Senate’s proposal citing the testosterone requirement set by the Olympic Committee.

“The Senate bill relies on the Olympics, and what the Olympics have determined is a good way to deal with transgender. The concern is that there is a U.S. Supreme Court decision that defines transgender as being protected as sex discrimination. So, there are going to be some concerns related to that,” said attorney Pamella Seay, a legal expert with Florida Gulf Coast University’s Department of Justice Studies.

Reeder hopes others will learn from her story and won’t be afraid to play.

“I’m hoping that they step out of the shadows and say, ‘I want to play girls basketball, I can play just the same as any other girl, right, we don’t have an advantage.'”

Seay said she believes there’s a good chance the bill will pass despite opposition from transgender advocates. The reason is the makeup of the legislature, the timing, and the fact that both the House and Senate bills are essentially the same.

Bill sponsor Kaylee Tuck, R-Lake Placid, said the transgender athletic ban is necessary to establish parity for biologically female athletes.

“There are inherent biological differences between men and women. The ‘Fairness in Women Sports Act’ supports women and girls by ensuring they have the same opportunities as men and boys to showcase their skill, strength and other athletic abilities,” Tuck said before the panel’s 13-4 vote in favor of the bill (HB 1475).

The News Service of Florida contributed to this report.