NC Republicans file several bills focused on trans students in school sports

RALEIGH, N.C. — North Carolina Republicans filed at least six bills this week focused on transgender students and their participation in school sports.

The NC Values Coalition is a conservative group supporting the effort.

“We believe kids ought to be given a chance to resolve their confusion about their sex,” said Tami Fitzgerald, who is with the group.

One proposal, House Bill 574, would exclude transgender children from playing on sports teams that match their gender identity. Another bill is dubbed the “Fairness in Women’s Sports Act.”

The legislation would require all sports teams be designated as male, female or co-ed based on their biological sex at birth. It would apply to public, private and charter schools that are part of the state High School Athletic Association.

The legislation comes when Rep. Tricia Cotham switched to the Republican Party, giving the GOP the supermajority and an express lane without having to worry about the governor’s veto.

Cotham gave a coy response earlier this week when Channel 9 asked her about how she will vote on controversial issues.

“I am going to do what I think is best for my district, what is best for the state, and I am going to listen to my heart,” Cotham said.

Now, the White House is getting involved.

“I want to say directly to LGBTQI+ kids: You are loved just as you are,” said White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre.

The Biden administration is proposing a new federal rule that wouldn’t stop schools from limiting their participation on teams that correlate with their gender identity. But, it would make total bans a violation of Title IX.

Protests all over the country are calling for inclusion.

So far, none of the bills have been placed into the committee pipeline for further review. If approved, they would go into effect for the 2023 to 2024 school year.

According to the commissioner for the North Carolina High School Athletic Association, there are only 15 transgender athletes in high school sports. That’s less than 1% of the more than 200,000 participants.

(WATCH BELOW: Now-GOP Rep. Tricia Cotham says ‘I am going to listen to my heart’ when voting)

Now-GOP Rep. Tricia Cotham says ‘I am going to listen to my heart’ when voting

©2023 Cox Media Group