1. United States
2. Ariz.
3. Letter

H.R. 734: Exclusionary Sports Participation Bill The Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act of 2023 (H.R. 734) seeks to restrict participation in federally funded sports programs based solely on a person's reproductive biology and genetics observed at birth. This narrow criteria fails to respect gender identity and expression. Mandating such rigid policies would effectively bar many transgender and intersex individuals from competing according to their authentic gender, promoting discrimination and denying equal opportunities. Athletic guidelines should create an inclusive environment empowering all individuals to participate fully. Reasonable rules can address competitive fairness without blanket prohibitions based on anatomy or chromosomes present at birth. The harmful repercussions of this legislation warrant pursuing solutions upholding the dignity and rights of all student-athletes.