Gov. Brian Kemp Backs Discrimination Against Trans Kids Playing School Sports

ATLANTA, Ga. – Yesterday, Governor Brian Kemp signed House Bill 1084, which empowers an athletic commission to ban transgender youth from participating in sports that align with their gender identity.

The following statement is from Scott McCoy, SPLC Action Fund interim deputy legal director, LGBTQ Rights & Special Litigation:

“In an effort to put one set of ‘students and parents first,’ Governor Brian Kemp completely dismisses the rights of LGBTQ+ students and parents. And by declaring to not want to ‘indoctrinate our kids with their partisan political agenda,’ Kemp instead imposes his own discriminatory agenda on Georgians, yet again.

“The Georgia governor’s concept of ‘woke politics’ is another needless and disappointing blow to students who just want an opportunity to participate in the sports they love playing – like all kids do.

“Governors and legislators across the South continue to ignore the fact that there is no, and never has been, any evidence proving transgender student athletes – specifically females – enjoy any advantage over cisgender competitors. There is no unleveled playing field in this regard in Georgia, Alabama, Florida, or any of the other states that have chosen to legalize unfounded fears, ignorance, and unrelenting prejudice against LGBTQ+ persons.

“Georgia House Bill 1084 continues the redundant, transphobic trend making its way across the South and other parts of the US. Legislation is the current weapon of choice against the LGBTQ+ community and instead of improving lives, it promotes intolerance and exclusion.

“This has got to stop. The lives of LGBTQ+ youth depend on it, as many succumb to depression and suicidal ideation in response.

“By jumping on a sexist bandwagon that discriminates and unnecessarily victimizes LGBTQ+ kids who just want to be kids, Governor Kemp seems to have forgotten, yet again, that he was elected to protect all Georgians. The kids and parents he claims to safeguard come at the expense of a legion of LGBTQ+ families who will now be subjected to further bullying, isolation, and fear of being unable to live as their authentic selves.”