Megan Rapinoe Criticizes Moves to Bar Transgender Athletes from Women’s Sports

Former U.S. Women’s National Team star Megan Rapinoe addressed efforts to prevent transgender athletes from competing in women’s sports. Speaking on ABC’s “The View,” she called these efforts “an attack on women in society,” arguing that the debate reaches beyond fairness in athletic competition.

Rapinoe countered the notion that restrictions on transgender athletes aim to protect girls’ and women’s sports. She suggested that the issue is part of a broader campaign against women’s empowerment. “They’re going after trans people in sports, using it as a wedge issue because we love sports,” she stated. She questioned the narrative of girls being unsafe in sports.

“They’re using this as a broader issue when, in reality, it’s an attack on women… requiring invasive tests to see if they’re a woman highlights the broader problem,” Rapinoe remarked.

A proposed bill in Washington would prohibit students identified as “biologically male” from participating in certain athletic activities meant for females. It would also involve verification of biological sex by healthcare providers.

Rapinoe emphasized that barring women from sports due to gender only undermines confidence and power gained through sports. She remarked on the numerous women in leadership positions who participated in elite sports, suggesting it’s crucial for confidence and well-being.

In a recent Marie Claire article, Rapinoe argued that anti-trans legislation distracts from crucial issues. She stated, “Trans people have competed in sports for decades, and this is a smokescreen from bad faith legislators.” She believes that women and girls remain the most affected by these manufactured problems.