Subcommittee Chairwoman Marjorie Taylor Greene addressed the topic of transgender athletes in women’s sports during a hearing titled “Unfair Play: Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports.” Greene discussed potential legal violations, fairness issues for female athletes, and safety concerns.
Greene stated, “Female athletes should never be forced to compete against mentally ill, biological men who parade around in women’s clothes,” referencing testimonies from witnesses who have faced male competitors. One witness suffered an injury from a volleyball spike, while another was disqualified from a fencing competition for refusing to compete against a male athlete.
Title IX, established in 1972, aims to ensure equal athletic opportunities for women. National Governing Bodies (NGBs), like USA Fencing, are tasked with promoting equal opportunity but face criticism for allowing transgender women to compete. Greene noted that approximately two hundred biological males participate in USA Fencing’s women’s division.
USA Fencing Board Chair Damian Lehfeldt was subpoenaed as the board is responsible for policy compliance with federal law. The board indicated it would only change its transgender athlete policy if mandated. A letter from Andrey Geva highlighted physical advantages held by transgender women fencers.
A United Nations report found testosterone suppression does not eliminate these advantages and recommended excluding males from female categories. Greene criticized USA Fencing’s policy choices and political considerations over site selections and anthem performances at events.
Polls show significant opposition to transgender participation in women’s sports across political affiliations. In response, President Trump issued an Executive Order titled “Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports.”
The upcoming 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles present an opportunity to reinforce fair competition standards for women globally. According to the UN report cited by Greene, policies permitting male participation have cost female athletes numerous medals across various sports.
Witness Payton McNabb experienced a severe injury due to competition against a male athlete identifying as transgender. Greene emphasized her commitment to advocating alongside President Trump and supporters like Stephanie and Payton.
