Recently Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, Representative Scott Cepicky, and Senator Joey Hensley, among the rest of the Tennessee State Government, introduced Bill SB228 and HB3. This bill blatantly discriminates against transgender athletes, and violates Title IX, which guarantees American citizens protection against gender discrimination.

Bill SB228 and Bill HB3 "requires that a student's gender for purposes of participation in a public middle school or high school interscholastic athletic activity or event be determined by the student's sex at the time of the student's birth, as indicated on the student's original birth certificate".

In other words, young transgender people will be forced to associate with a sex that no longer defines themselves, facing unwanted and unneeded bullying and discrimination at such a young and impressionable age. This bill essentially excludes transgender children from participating in school sports, which are important in their personal development and health. 

Bill Lee states that transgender athletes will "destroy women's sports", clearly displaying a sense of ignorance and inconsideration towards the LGBTQ+ community. While fairness in women's sports is imperative, Governor Bill Lee's statement comes with the intent of excluding transgender athletes and making them feel less than other women/men, which is simply unfair. 

This bill is likely to be enacted once members of the Senate vote on it, as many voice their support of this bill, and the bill cleared the Senate Education Committee in an 8-1 vote. With this reality, it is now most important to demand for it to be repealed. This Bill is discriminatory, unfair, and doesn't allow for equity and equality in sports.