Biden slammed for Women’s Day post after allowing trans athlete crisis
Former President Joe Biden faced backlash on International Women’s Day for his administration’s record on transgender athletes in women’s sports. In a celebratory post on Saturday, Biden highlighted the achievements of women and girls but many Americans criticized his support for trans athletes competing in women’s sports.
During his presidency, Biden signed an executive order allowing trans athletes to participate in women’s sports, attempted to rewrite Title IX to accommodate them, and even tried to penalize states for implementing their own policies on the issue. This decision sparked a wave of criticism, with many pointing out the negative impact on female athletes.
Critics, including U.S. Rep. Brandon Gill, R-Texas, highlighted the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act, which was opposed by 203 Democrats in the House and filibustered by 45 Democrats in the Senate. XX-XY Athletics, a sportswear brand advocating for the protection of female athletes from trans inclusion, also condemned Biden for undermining women’s rights.
Social media users expressed their frustration, questioning Biden’s decision to allow men to compete in women’s sports and calling out the erasure of women’s identities. Biden’s support for trans athletes in women’s sports became a major vulnerability for the Democratic Party in the 2024 election, leading to significant losses in key races.
Despite ongoing opposition, Biden’s administration continued to push for policies supporting transgender athletes. In March 2023, Democrats advocated for a Transgender Bill of Rights, promoting inclusion in sports and school facilities based on gender identity. The Department of Education also proposed rules punishing schools for barring trans athletes from women’s sports.
Biden’s Title IX rewrite in April 2024 faced legal challenges from multiple states, leading to a Supreme Court decision blocking its enforcement in states that resisted the changes. The controversy surrounding transgender athletes in women’s sports became a focal point for voters, with a national exit poll showing widespread concern among moderate voters.
Following Biden’s defeat in the 2024 election, President Donald Trump signed an executive order banning trans athletes from women’s sports. However, Democrat-led states refused to comply with the order, highlighting the ongoing divide on the issue. A recent survey found that a majority of Americans, including Democrats, oppose allowing transgender athletes to compete in women’s sports.
The debate over transgender athletes in women’s sports continues to be a contentious issue, with implications for gender equality and fairness in athletic competition. As policymakers navigate this complex issue, the rights and opportunities of female athletes remain a central concern for many Americans.
