Please veto the anti-transgender sports ban. This cruel, misguided legislation is deeply harmful to already at-risk transgender children. Transgender youth are some of the most bullied and marginalized in our school systems. They deserve our love and support, not cruel attacks because of who they are. Participating in sports can provide them, and all young people, important life lessons.

There is no legitimate evidence in Florida of problems occurring when a transgender child is allowed to play sports. For over a decade, secondary and post secondary athletics in Florida have been guided by policies that balance the competitive nature of sports with the necessity to give transgender students access to the educational, development, and leadership opportunities sports provide. At a time when Florida’s economy is working to recover from a deadly pandemic, this ban on transgender athletes could cost the state major sporting events and other tourism revenue. The NCAA has reaffirmed its policy to only host championship and tournament events in states “free of discrimination”, a move that puts $75 million in revenue at risk over the next five years.

There is absolutely no reason for this law. It is cruel to some of our most vulnerable children and will do real damage to our state’s reputation and economy. Please join me in opposing Florida’s anti-Trans Sports Ban.