Arizona's Transgender Sports Ban Draws Legal Challenge From Parents of Trans Girls

arizona transgender sports ban trans girls

By E.Baloyo , Parent Herald Apr 18, 11:45 pm

Photo: (Photo : Ralph Freso/Getty Images)

Arizona's transgender girls' sports ban is now being challenged by a lawsuit from two families. A lawsuit was filed on Tuesday, April 18, by the parents of two transgender girls in Arizona, who are challenging a law that prohibits their children from participating in school sports.

The law, which is a year old, has been challenged in the U.S. District Court in Tucson by attorneys representing the families. The plaintiffs are an 11-year-old who wishes to participate in girls' soccer, basketball, and cross-country, and a 15-year-old volleyball player. Due to concerns for the safety of their children, the families' names have been kept confidential in the court documents.

Lawsuit Against Arizona's Transgender Sports Ban

As reported by ABC, the statement made by Jane's mother reflected the fears and concerns of many parents of transgender children who feel that the sports ban could adversely affect their child's mental well-being.

They worry that their children may face discrimination, exclusion, and stigmatization, which could harm their self-esteem and confidence.

The attorneys representing the families argued that the sports ban denies transgender individuals equal treatment under the law. They stated that the law violates both the Equal Protection Clause of the U.S. Constitution and Title IX. The complaint filed by the attorneys further suggested that the law endangers the welfare of transgender children and will not survive constitutional scrutiny.

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne, who is one of the defendants in the lawsuit, disagreed with the arguments made by the plaintiffs' attorneys.

Horne maintained that the transgender sports ban was necessary to ensure fairness in sports. He explained that Title IX was meant to provide equal opportunities for girls in sports, and biological boys competing against girls would disadvantage them. He cited instances of girls who lost their motivation to excel in sports when they had to compete against biological boys.

Horne added that he would be consulting with the Arizona Attorney General's Office about the next steps to be taken in response to the lawsuit.

Arizona Bans Trans Girls From Participating in Female Sports

In March 2022, according to Insider, the then-Republican governor of Arizona, Doug Ducey, approved legislation that limits transgender girls from participating in sports teams alongside non-transgender girls. This issue has become a significant focus in state legislatures led by Republicans.

Ducey signed multiple bills into law, one of which bans transgender girls from playing on female sports teams and another that prevents gender reassignment surgery for minors. He argued that he is signing these bills, S.B. 1138 and S.B. 1165, to protect the fairness and participation of female athletes.

The legislation is specific and sensible, and its aim is to address these two particular concerns while guaranteeing that transgender people receive the same dignity, kindness, and respect as any other individual in society. He also emphasized that every young athlete in Arizona should have an equal opportunity to participate in extracurricular activities that help them feel included and encourage their growth.

According to CNN, in addition to the sports ban, Arizona has prohibited transgender minors in the state from obtaining gender-affirming healthcare.

Ducey explained that this was to make sure that individuals undergoing irreversible gender reassignment surgery are of legal age.