NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation said it intends to bring legal challenges against the State of Tennessee over its transgender athlete bill.
HRC announced Wednesday that it filed a federal civil rights lawsuit, challenging a Florida law that bans transgender girls from participating in sports. The organization said it intends to bring legal challenges against other states, including Tennessee, for similar legislation.
Hey @GovBillLee! We’ll see you in court. https://t.co/HuwIJxR7ml
— HRC Nashville (@hrc_nash) June 30, 2021
Governor Bill Lee signed the bill back in March, saying it will "preserve women's athletics and ensure fair competition." The legislation bans transgender athletes from participating in girls’ sports and made Tennessee the third state this year to approve a measure many critics warn would prompt costly lawsuits and hurt transgender youth.
The ACLU of Tennessee called the bill "appalling," saying in part: "The marginalization of trans student athletes is rooted in the same kind of gender discrimination and stereotyping that has held back cisgender women athletes."
Mississippi and Arkansas have approved similar laws, and Republicans in at least 20 state legislatures have been pushing for transgender athlete bans this year.
