A former University of Kentucky swimmer made her way to Columbus on Wednesday to testify in favor of a bill that would ban transgender girls from participating in female sports.Riley Gaines has campaigned against the participation of transgender athletes in women’s sports.Gaines said in her testimony that she competed against Lia Thomas, a transgender swimmer from the University of Pennsylvania.When both Gaines and Thomas tied for fifth place in a competition, Gaines claimed NCAA officials opted to award the trophy to Thomas.According to the Ohio High School Athletic Association, six trans high school students participated in sports during the last school year. Since the policy was implemented eight years ago, 19 trans girls have participated.”I’ve had more people in the state of Ohio reach out to me specifically who say they’re scared to speak out about this, because they don’t want to be reprimanded,” Gaines said.If House Bill 68 passes in Ohio, it would allow an athlete to sue for relief or damages if they are “deprived” of an athletic opportunity by a trans girl, and prohibit a government or athletic association from taking action against schools that enforce the ban.
Riley Gaines has campaigned against the participation of transgender athletes in women’s sports.
Gaines said in her testimony that she competed against Lia Thomas, a transgender swimmer from the University of Pennsylvania.
When both Gaines and Thomas tied for fifth place in a competition, Gaines claimed NCAA officials opted to award the trophy to Thomas.
According to the Ohio High School Athletic Association, six trans high school students participated in sports during the last school year. Since the policy was implemented eight years ago, 19 trans girls have participated.
“I’ve had more people in the state of Ohio reach out to me specifically who say they’re scared to speak out about this, because they don’t want to be reprimanded,” Gaines said.
If House Bill 68 passes in Ohio, it would allow an athlete to sue for relief or damages if they are “deprived” of an athletic opportunity by a trans girl, and prohibit a government or athletic association from taking action against schools that enforce the ban.
