Siegel’s statement on K-12, collegiate transgender athletes Senate vote ban
Rep. Josh Siegel May 7, 2025 | 10:45 AM
HARRISBURG, May 7 – State Rep. Josh Siegel released the below statement regarding yesterday’s state Senate vote on banning transgender athletes from competing in women’s and girls’ sports at the collegiate and K-12 levels:
“Yesterday PA Senate Republicans decided to use their all too familiar strategy of distracting from their complete disregard and indifference for people’s actual pain and hardship to bully, discriminate and risk the lives of trans children by passing discriminatory legislation that makes it harder for trans kids to belong, feel valued and participate with their friends in sports.
“Let me be perfectly clear -- there is no widespread issue of trans women dominating women’s sports, no supporter can show you the endless trans women racking up first place wins or crushing their division, because it’s not happening. This is nothing more than cowardly politicians exploiting a small group of children for political gain, to distract the electorate from their service to special interests and wealthy donors. Division is their goal.
“Instead of making sure women’s sports gets equal funding for equipment and fields or creating more athletic opportunities, this bill invites a violation of privacy. Will women be subjected to physical inspections to determine their gender or will girls that are deemed too muscular or masculine be targeted? Trans kids deserve to belong, to play sports like anyone else, and government has no role in that decision-making. Leagues should create fair and medically informed guidelines and rules that allow all children to build the friendships and connections that sports allow.
“I stand with our trans community and their families and allies in saying this bill will never see the light of day in the House and I will fight to ensure a world where every kid is treated with dignity and respect, and we reject this manufactured division and hatred.”