A bill that would restrict Alaskan individuals’ sports participation to groups that match their sex at birth was expanded and advanced by Republican members of the House Judiciary Committee. Twenty-four states have passed similar rules.
In addition to college athletics, elementary and middle school activities, House Bill 183 was amended in the committee’s Friday meeting. Girls in high school are now prohibited from participating in female high school sports by a law passed by Governor Mike Dunleavy. The State Board of Education and Early Development appointed officials next year.
Both the questionable proposal’s supporters and opponents feel strongly about their freedom. The bill’s sponsor, Rep. Jamie Allard, R-Eagle River, said its goal is to ensure fairness for girls and women who participate in sports.
Reps. Andrew Gray and Cliff Groh, both Anchorage Democrats and committee members, opposed the bill’s expansion and advancement.
Gray made an unsuccessful effort to prevent the bill from being moved out of committee.
“There have been numerous allegations of opposition to the bill. I believe we should value the people of Alaska’s will to prevent the body from passing these harmful regulations,” he said.
Groh expressed concern that the bill might face legal challenges. “I believe that the benefits of passing this legislation are far outweighed by the risks. I’m also concerned about the possibility of successful legal challenges brought against this legislation,” he said.
On Friday, many Alaskans voiced their opposition to the bill. While the voices of supporters were outnumbered in public testimony, hundreds of people wrote to the House Judiciary and Education committees to urge its passage.
Michael Garvey, the campaign director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Alaska, said the bill is unconstitutional and unfair.
“Alaska’s laws provide clear privacy and due process protections, which apply to public schools. HB 183 cannot be implemented and enforced without violating those rights,” he said. “Additionally, HB 183 would deprive transgender women of equal access to opportunities to participate in sports, which are a means to build skill, resilience, and community.”
Olivia Emery, the mother of an LGBTQ child, was emotional in her testimony. She said her child is not trans but currently experiences a lot of abuse.
“This would raise a red flag for classmates who now wish to harm her, both physically and mentally,” she said, echoing the concerns of other witnesses.
Alexander Rosales, an Eagle River resident, testified in support of the bill on Friday. He claimed that his military experience demonstrated to him that men and women have different physical aptitudes. “So I want to speak as a father, as a man, and advocate for girls,” he said. “We should be protecting, supporting, and encouraging them in sports, not treating it as if they are being unfairly treated.”
The bill would need to be approved by both the House and the Senate in order for it to become law.
