Bondi warns three states to comply with law keeping boys out of girls sports or face legal action

Attorney General Pam Bondi Issues Warning to California, Maine, and Minnesota Over Women’s Sports Policies

Attorney General Pam Bondi has issued a stern warning to the states of California, Maine, and Minnesota, urging them to comply with federal antidiscrimination laws that prohibit boys from participating in women’s sports. Failure to do so could result in legal action being taken against these states, Bondi cautioned.

In letters sent to the attorneys general of California, Maine, and Minnesota, Bondi emphasized the importance of upholding federal law and ensuring that girls have equal opportunities to participate in sports without having to compete against boys. She pointed out that the Department of Justice has already taken action against states that have violated federal immigration laws and that similar measures could be taken against those that defy antidiscrimination laws.

President Donald Trump has directed the Department of Justice and the Education Department to prioritize enforcement actions against athletic associations that do not provide girls with a fair chance to compete in sports. Despite this directive, state athletic associations in California, Maine, and Minnesota have stated that they will continue to allow girls to compete against boys in sports, prompting Bondi to issue a warning.

In Minnesota, Attorney General Keith Ellison has asserted that the state high school league would be violating state law if it stops girls from competing against boys. Similarly, California and Maine are under investigation by the Department of Education for potentially denying girls equal opportunities in sports by requiring them to compete against boys.

Bondi made it clear that the Department of Justice will not hesitate to take action against states and state entities that fail to comply with federal law. She stressed that the goal is to ensure that girls have the chance to compete on a level playing field and that allowing boys to participate in women’s sports is both demeaning and unfair.

Trump’s recent executive order on this issue highlights the importance of protecting women’s sports and ensuring that girls are not disadvantaged by having to compete against boys. Bondi reiterated that federal law prohibits such practices and that states must adhere to these laws to receive federal funding.

The clash between Trump and Maine Governor Janet Mills over transgender women in sports serves as a reminder of the ongoing debate surrounding this issue. Trump’s threat to cut off federal funding to Maine underscores the administration’s commitment to enforcing antidiscrimination laws and protecting the integrity of women’s sports.

In conclusion, Bondi’s warning serves as a reminder to states that they must comply with federal law to avoid legal action and potential loss of federal funding. The Department of Justice is prepared to take all necessary steps to ensure that girls have equal opportunities to participate in sports and that women’s sports are protected from unfair competition.