Mark Takano: “I include in the Record letters from the Human Rights Campaign and the Athletes' Advisory Council. Human Rights…”

“I include in the Record letters from the Human Rights Campaign and the Athletes' Advisory Council. Human Rights Campaign, April 14, 2023. Dear Representative: On behalf of the Human Rights Campaign's more than three million members and supporters nationwide, I write to express our strong opposition to H.R. 734--the misnamed Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act of 2023 which seeks to implement a discriminatory ban on transgender girls participating in girls' sports nationwide. As the nation's largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer equality, we are deeply concerned about the negative impact this legislation would have on young people already facing significant challenges due to stigma and discrimination. Athletics are an experience everyone deserves equal access to. School sports provide important development opportunities that teach young people about teamwork, perseverance, leadership, discipline, and exercise, and help them build friendships and community. All kids--including transgender girls and intersex children who would also be restricted from participating in school sports by this bill--should have the same opportunities to participate in activities that embody our shared ideals as Americans. We know that allowing transgender and intersex youth to play sports in school does not disadvantage anyone else.…”