Perhaps the key issue that has most vexed Republican members of Congress is the one that has come into focus in recent years and concerns so-called “transgender rights,” including the inclusion of transgender “women” in women’s sports and restrooms , changing rooms etc.
It’s an issue that has led to prominent female athletes publicly speaking out in favor of leaving women’s sports as it was originally intended. One of those athletes, LGBTQ icon Martina Navratilova, has been vocal about the issue, only to see the same far-left groups that previously praised her as a trailblazer in sports turn around and try to cancel her for the crime of WrongSpeak .
Riley Gaines, a former University of Kentucky swimming champion, has also emerged as a leading voice on the issue after sharing the trophy podium (and locker room) with former University of Pennsylvania swimmer Lia Thomas, who identifies as a woman but was born a man. Gaines has testified on this issue countless times before members of Congress on Capitol Hill and also before various state legislatures and is currently part of a lawsuit against the NCAA.
SEE ALSO: ESPN writer wonders why people don’t like Megan Rapinoe and I
It was the troubling experiences of Gaines and other concerned girls and women that were the focus of NCAA President Charlie Baker’s aggressive questioning during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on sports gambling on Tuesday.
Baker prepared with the remarks in his opening statement, in which he explained that a “key priority of the association and its members is to coordinate and ensure safe and fair competition”.
Sen. John Kennedy (R-LA) took the ball and ran with it, questioning the former Massachusetts governor’s statement and contrasting it with what he called the NCAA’s injustice in failing to take action against athletes like Lia Thomas could prevail because she was unable to compete against female athletes.
At one point, Kennedy cornered Baker and made him bend the knee on a crucial point by making him admit that men competing against women in sports have an advantage “every time” after Baker initially (and ridiculously) ) claimed the point was “controversial.” .”
“Why don’t you go to Amazon, buy a spine online and take a stand?” Kennedy eventually said, frustrated at Baker’s continued suggestions that the NCAA had no choice but to take its stand because the courts supposedly lacked “clarity.” created this matter.
Regard:
Why does the NCAA support allowing biological men to compete against biological women?
Why don’t they let them grow a spine? pic.twitter.com/4CzFwirnEk
– John Kennedy (@SenJohnKennedy) December 17, 2024
Next came Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO), and Baker once again had no chance. In his questioning, Hawley told Baker that it was ridiculous to suggest that the NCAA’s hands were tied, stating, “No federal court has ordered the NCAA to include biological males in women’s sports.”
Hawley also correctly noted that the NCAA does not consider the legitimate concerns of female athletes like Riley Gaines when writing its policies regarding the operate of locker rooms, showers, etc.:
Senator Josh Hawley: “No federal court has ordered the NCAA to allow biological men into women’s sports, has it?”
NCAA President Charlie Baker: “That’s largely what they decided.”
Senator Hawley: “Don’t say much. We’re talking about the law here.” pic.twitter.com/WWbwQ06YxG
– Real Mac Report (@RealMacReport) December 17, 2024
Listen as NCAA President Charlie Baker blames everyone from the court to “the locals” for HIS policy allowing men in women’s sports. It can’t be justified – and he knows it pic.twitter.com/gyFUm5qvJ0
— Josh Hawley (@HawleyMO) December 17, 2024
When conservatives watch this exchange, their next thought is often, “That sounded good, but where’s the action?”
My thought bubble on this issue is that Republicans who are fully focused on this issue (and there are many) are now preparing for 2025, when there will be firm Republican control of the Senate and many more options will turn these conversations into meaningful legislation thanks to control in the House of Representatives and a Republican POTUS commanding the ship.
Time will tell, but I think we are preparing to see real movement in the right direction on the issue of transgender rights in the coming months, despite the cases currently pending in various courts. As always: buckle up – and stay tuned.
RELATED: Sen. John Kennedy Confronts General Who Called Trump Supporters Fascists: ‘Your Comment Offends Me’
