Missouri Bans Transgender Athletes from Female Teams

Missouri lawmakers have passed two bills that restrict transgender rights, banning gender-affirming health care for minors and preventing transgender girls and women from participating in female sports teams. Schools that permit transgender students to participate would lose state funding. Governor Mike Parson is expected to sign both bills, which would expire in 2027. Democrats condemned the measures as a “weaponization of the government” that denies the existence of transgender youth.

In response, the City Council of Kansas City is considering a resolution that would designate the city as a sanctuary for those seeking gender-affirming treatment. The proposed resolution would prohibit the prosecution or fining of any person or organization involved in gender-affirming care and would make enforcing gender-affirming care regulations the lowest priority for city personnel. While supporters acknowledged that the city could face retaliation from the state, they called the measure “good trouble.” The full council is expected to consider the resolution on Thursday.

At least 16 states have now passed laws restricting or banning gender-affirming care for minors, with several more considering similar measures. At least 21 states have passed restrictions on transgender athletes’ participation in sports. Several states, including California, Minnesota, and Washington, have declared themselves sanctuary states for gender-affirming care.

–Re-reported from the story originally published in https://www.huffpost.com/