A U.S. state defies Trump’s order banning transgender athletes in female sports, sparking national debate over inclusion and rights.
In a bold move, Illinois has rejected an executive order from President Donald Trump that bans transgender athletes from participating in female sports.
This decision marks a significant stand against federal policies that many believe infringe on human rights.
Trump sparks debate over his executive orders
After returning to office in January, Trump signed several executive orders targeting transgender individuals.
One of the most contentious orders prohibits transgender people from serving in the military.
Another order mandates that transgender women cannot be housed in female prisons.
The order banning transgender women from competing in female sports was signed on February 5.
This order, titled “Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports,” has raised concerns about fairness in athletics.
It suggests that the International Olympic Committee (IOC) might need to alter its policies ahead of the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles.
The order also allows the Secretary of State’s Office to exert pressure on the IOC to change its eligibility criteria, emphasizing biological sex over gender identity.
Illinois stands up against Trump’s ban on transgender athletes in female sports
In response to this executive order, the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) has chosen not to comply.
This decision aligns with the state’s commitment to human rights, as articulated in the Illinois Human Rights Act.
The IHSA President, Dan Tully, wrote a public letter to the state’s Republican lawmakers, explaining that following Trump’s order could violate state law.
Dan Tully wrote: “The Illinois Human Rights Act requires that transgender athletes be permitted to participate in events and programs aligning with the gender they identify.”
He emphasized following state and federal laws and called for clear guidance to navigate the conflict between the two policies.
The IHSA seeks clarity from legal authorities.
The IHSA reached out to state Attorney General Kwame Raoul and the Illinois Department of Human Rights for advice on how to proceed.
Tully clarified that the association’s goal is to comply with the law without taking a stance on the debate between federal and state regulations.
In his letter, Tully stated, “We simply desire to comply with the law.” This emphasizes the IHSA’s focus on legal obligations rather than political disputes.
The association is concerned about the implications of the federal order and wants to ensure they are acting within the bounds of the law.
Republican response to the defiance
The decision to defy Trump’s order has not been well-received by some Republican lawmakers.
Representative Blaine Wilhour opposed the move and suggested cutting state funding unless the IHSA follows the federal mandate.
He argued that the issue boils down to fair competition in sports.
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He told Fox News: “Either you believe in fair competition or you don’t. The Democrat Party today… does not believe in fair competition. They put their woke ideology over protecting girls in sports.
“[The Trump administration is] going to have to engage here, and the leverage that they’ve got is federal funding.
“We take millions in federal funding from the government every year. And we don’t really savor the situation where that would be withheld. But I’ll take my chances with doing the right thing.”