LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Michigan Republicans are putting pressure on the Michigan High School Athletic Association to change its policy and prevent boys from playing girls’ sports.
The GOP House introduced a resolution Wednesday to encourage the MHSAA to abide by President Donald Trump’s executive order that bans males from playing female sports. The resolution passed by a 66-43 vote and was adopted on Thursday. Some members of the GOP House held a press conference Thursday.
“The thing I keep asking myself throughout this entire ordeal is ‘where are these kids’ parents?’ As a mom of three boys, I cannot fathom ever allowing my sons to compete against girls. These are children; they’re not old enough to be trusted to take out the trash regularly, yet we’re supposed to believe they can decide to change genders?” State Rep. Rachelle Smit, (R-Martin) said in a press release. “My daughter played high school volleyball and basketball on top of being a cheerleader. By the grace of God, she didn’t have to worry about a man spiking a volleyball into her face or boxing her out beneath the rim. The MHSAA needs to make the right decision and protect our girls.”
The MHSAA has stood firm to keep its policy of deciding on transgender athletes on a case-by-case basis.
“The MHSAA follows and will continue to follow all applicable state and federal laws,” the MHSAA said in a statement to Michigan News Source. “We are monitoring developments in this regard closely, including federal litigation challenging the recent executive order and potential changes to state law that have been introduced in the Michigan legislature. The MHSAA plays no role in either, however. Until those matters are resolved, the MHSAA is not in a position to change its current rules or policies, which again comply with applicable state and federal law.”
State Rep. Dylan Wegala, D-Ypsilanti, said he was disappointed in the vote and there needed to be solidarity with the trans community.
“It’s gonna be a long fight against fighting fascism,” Wegala said in a video he posted on X.
The ACLU of Michigan posted a video that stated any laws passed banning trans students from playing sports would be subject to challenge in court.
MORE NEWS: Michigan Gets Intimate with School Sex Surveys
“This is not only cruel and harmful, this resolution asks the MHSAA to violate our state’s civil rights laws that protect transgender people from discrimination,” ACLU of Michigan said on X.
The MHSAA does not stop girls from playing boys’ sports. The MHSAA does ask if the student has undergone hormone therapy or gender-affirming surgery.
According to Geoff Kimmerly, spokesman for the MHSAA, they didn’t have any transgender girls in the winter season and have not approved any for the spring season. The MHSAA estimates it averages about two transgender athletes a year.