They are really dividing and conquering
The Equality Act would jeopardize opportunities and perhaps even safety for many female athletes. It would make the playing field more unequal than ever.
On his first day in office last month, President Joe Biden signed an executive order which threatened to pull federal funding from schools unless they allow transgender women to compete on girls’ sports teams. On Thursday, the House passed a bill that would write this policy permanently into law.
Like many Americans with common sense, we strongly oppose these radical and unfair measures. And like many parents, our opposition is rooted in the care and concern we have for our daughters.
Participation in sports has had a positive impact on countless young women, helping them to develop leadership skills and learn to work together as a team. Striving to be the best is the goal, and valuable opportunities can stem from the competition. However, these lessons and opportunities would be seriously endangered if transgender women are allowed to compete in girls’ sports. Indeed, the entirety of women’s athletics would be deeply imperiled.
Advantage even with hormones
The reason is obvious. Biological male athletes have an insurmountable physical advantage over biological female athletes. They have greater muscle mass, bigger and stronger bones, and larger hearts and lungs than women. Moreover, one new study shows that even after taking female hormones, transgender women athletes still enjoy at least a temporary physical advantage on the playing field.
This reality cannot be ignored. It could even be dangerous.
For example, consider the implications of a young woman competing in boxing or another physical sport being matched up with a biological male opponent. Besides likely being at a fundamental disadvantage, she might also be at increased risk of severe injury based on physical differences. Unfortunately, this hypothetical has already played out in a 2013 incident, and it could have major consequences on the whole of women’s sports should such situations become more normal.
Pass the Equality Act:Discriminatory rhetoric and laws are devastating to LGBTQ youth
Additionally, this new radical idea would effectively call into question the entire set of agreed-upon standards in areas such as firefighting, police work, and military service. Standards have been put in place for women and men, and this effectively mutes the standards for women. In short, it would fundamentally violate the principles of fair competition.
Girls deserve level playing field
Joe Biden and Democrats insist that these changes are necessary in order to achieve “equality.” But the question we should be asking is: Equality for whom? This does not foster equality for the many female athletes whose opportunities and perhaps even safety would be jeopardized by as a result. In fact, it would make the playing field more unequal than ever. Fairness, safety, and common sense all hang in the balance.
Our daughters, and those of every American parent, deserve to compete in a fair environment and have their futures open to them without being crushed by politicians who are caving into ideological interest groups. Given how much progress has been made since Title IX was enacted nearly half a century ago, we cannot afford to go backward.
Instead, we concerned parents must stand up to save women’s sports. We strongly urge the Biden administration to reject this extreme agenda and for Congress to bolster protections for female athletes, not weaken them. To ensure the next generation of girls enjoys the athletic opportunities we have come to take for granted in this country, the time to act is now.
Frank Mir (@thefrankmir) is a professional fighter, sports commentator, and former two-time heavyweight champion of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. His daughter, 17, is an undefeated professional fighter. Terry Schilling (@Schilling1776) is the Executive Director of American Principles Project. Written by Frank Mir and Terry Schilling
