Athlete Ally Responds to Idaho’s Dangerous Anti-Trans Legislation
New York, NY (March 31, 2020) — Athlete Ally responded today to news that last night, on the eve of Transgender Day of Visibility, Idaho Governor Brad Little signed into law two dangerous anti-transgender bills: House Bill 500, which prohibits transgender students from participating in athletic programs within the state’s K-12 schools and colleges, and House Bill 509, which prohibits transgender people from obtaining a new birth certificate with their gender identity on it.
“Governor Brad Little had an opportunity to leave a legacy of equality and compassion,” said Hudson Taylor, Founder and Executive Director of Athlete Ally. “Instead, he chose to recklessly and violently target trans youth by signing into law the country’s most restrictive anti-trans bills of 2020 at a time when our entire world is facing a pandemic, and the LGBTQI+ community is especially at risk.
We are increasingly concerned about the way in which sport is being weaponized by anti-equality advocates to target trans youth and their fundamental humanity. Access to sports can be lifesaving for trans youth, who also need positive outlets for their physical and mental health. We will never stop fighting each and every bill that targets trans youth.
We continue to stand with trans athletes and the trans community at large in demanding equality. We all deserve to be who we are in all areas of life, especially and including sport. Our message to state legislature with bills attacking trans youth is this: you have a choice to create safe, welcoming environments for all of your constituents, or to choose hate and division. Please stand on the right side of history.”