1. United States
2. Calif.
3. Letter

The upcoming vote on S.9, the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act, raises grave concerns about the unfair exclusion and discrimination it would legitimize against transgender athletes. As an American ideal, we must ensure all people can participate fully and freely in sports regardless of gender identity. Transgender girls are girls, and transgender women are women. Denying them the ability to compete according to their gender identity is a violation of civil rights and human dignity. This legislation perpetuates harmful myths about supposed competitive advantages while ignoring the very real psychological damage and stigma it would inflict on a vulnerable group. Rather than further marginalizing transgender athletes who simply wish to play the sports they love, we should be championing their courage and inclusion. True equality means accepting people for who they are. I urge you to vote against this discriminatory bill. Its purported aims of "protecting" women's sports are a thinly veiled attack on the rights and identities of transgender people. We must advance equal opportunity for all, not codify bigoted exclusions into law. Please stand on the right side of history by rejecting this unamerican legislation that legalizes discrimination against our fellow citizens.