Critics, including parents of athletes, expressed outrage after Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger’s administration quietly ended a process that would have made school sports divided by sex mandatory. The decision has intensified the debate over whether biological males who identify as transgender should compete in girls’ sports.
Former Delegate Kim Taylor, R-Petersburg, voiced her discontent, saying, “As a mom of a daughter, I’m furious that protecting the privacy, safety, and opportunities of Virginia’s girls has somehow become controversial.” She criticized Spanberger for not supporting women and girls by allowing political agendas to compromise their privacy and fair competition.
Political Reactions
Delegate Wren Williams, R-Stuart, labeled the move as typical of Spanberger’s approach. He described a pattern of saying one thing, doing another, and ignoring constituents’ questions.
Former Ball State basketball player and Indiana State Representative Michelle Davis said, “Women’s sports exist for women, and protecting a fair playing field shouldn’t be controversial.” Davis, R-Whiteland, noted that Democratic leaders often claim to empower women while removing protections for female athletes.
Rulemaking Process Terminated
The rulemaking process to bar biological males from girls’ scholastic sports began under former Governor Glenn Youngkin but was halted by Spanberger’s administration, as reported by the Richmond Times-Dispatch. Virginia Health Commissioner Cameron Webb confirmed the decision not to proceed with the proposed regulation.
The rule, supported by the Virginia Board of Health during Youngkin’s tenure, aimed to prevent biological males from participating in female-only sports teams and using female-designated spaces where females are likely to be undressed. The decision to end the process was made in late July but only recently surfaced, without any formal announcement from Spanberger.
Youngkin-appointed chairwoman of the State Board of Health was taken by surprise, indicating a lack of communication about terminating the process.
Williams expressed concern over Democrats openly discriminating against female athletes, highlighting ongoing debates in various states about the inclusion of transgender students in athletics.