Essay
Kiley Pollock
Model Legislature
HF3170 Pro-Con Essay
HF3170
Pros:
HF3170 is a proposed bill to limit female athletics to the female sex. The limitation of
female athletics to only the female sex has gained support for many reasons including
maintaining fairness and promoting safety. Firstly, many argue against transgender athletes in
female sports because it is viewed as unfair. A recent example that has sparked much of this
backlash is the swimmer Lia Thomas, who is a transgender female that is competing in the
women’s section. Many argue that this is unfair because of attributes like “larger heart size, more
hemoglobin, leaner body mass, and larger lung capacity.”
Additionally, safety for cisgender women athletes has become a large concern and a
reason for limiting female sports to the female sex. Many are concerned that since male athletes
are naturally “as a group [are] stronger and faster than females as a group.” There is a concern
that transgender women, who are naturally stronger, may accidentally harm other athletes.
Cons:
Along with the benefits of limiting female sports to the female sex, comes negatives as
well such as exclusion and mental-health affects. Firstly, transgender and non-binary are still
citizens and a part of the student body, and should therefore be allowed to participate in sports
just like any other student. An article by the Human Rights Campaign discusses the benefits of
participating in sports like “maintain[ing] good physical health, build[ing] self-confidence and
self-esteem, and grow[ing] leadership skills.” This article argues that these benefits from sports
should not be excluded from trans women.
Secondly, excluding transgender athletes can cause serious mental health issues,
especially for young people who this affects. Trans women are often discriminated against and
told they are not “real” girls this can cause a negative self image and is further solidified by their
exclusion from female sports.
Sources (pros):
https://newsroom.uw.edu/blog/expert-science-wont-resolve-debates-about-trans-athletes/
Transgender Athletes, Fair Competition, and Public Policy | Cato Institute
Sources (cons):
Four Myths About Trans Athletes, Debunked | American Civil Liberties Union
Get the Facts on Sports Bans by Trans & Non-Binary Students