Trump Signs Order Against Transgender Participation in Sports
Former President Donald Trump has consistently expressed opposition to transgender athletes participating in women’s sports. During his tenure, he did not sign an executive order specifically banning transgender athletes from women’s sports. However, in February 2017, his administration rescinded Obama-era guidelines that allowed transgender students to use bathrooms corresponding to their gender identity, which indirectly affected transgender athletes in schools.
In recent times, Trump has reiterated his stance on this issue. In a speech at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in February 2021, he called for the protection of women’s sports and criticized policies that permit transgender women to compete in female categories. He stated, “We must protect the integrity of women’s sports,” and suggested that allowing transgender athletes to compete could be detrimental to female athletes.
It’s important to note that sports governing bodies, such as the NCAA and the International Olympic Committee, have established guidelines for the inclusion of transgender athletes, often involving hormone therapy and other criteria to ensure fair competition.