State of Mississippi Archives: on Civil Rights
Chris McDaniel:
Dems want homosexual marriage legal in all 50 states
Source: Huffington Post on 2014 Mississippi Senate race
Jan 14, 2014
Chris McDaniel:
As host of Right Side Radio, railed against hip-hop culture
As host of "Right Side Radio" in the mid-2000s, McDaniel railed against hip-hop culture, referred to Mexican "mamacitas," poked fun at gay people, and derided a female candidate who he said was "basically using her boobies" to win. Critics, seizing on
those comments--and his appearance last June before the Sons of Confederate Veterans group--have attacked him as a racist, a sexist and antigay. His political speeches, though more subtle, evoke echoes of an earlier era, when 1960s segregationists
whipped up fears of outsiders, some scholars say."Millions in this country feel like strangers in this land--you recognize that, don't you?" he told an audience of farmers in Covington County. "An older America passes away, a new America rises to take
its place. We recoil from that culture. It's foreign to us. It's offensive to us."
[His supporters] see a candidate who grew up steeped in his Baptist faith, surrounded--and influenced by--the history and traditions of the rural South.
Source: N.Y. Times on 2014 Mississippi Senate race
Jun 13, 2014
Chris McDaniel:
Government shouldn't redefine marriage
Question topic: Marriage is a union of one man and one woman. No government has the authority to alter this definition.
McDaniel: Strongly Agree
Source: Faith2Action iVoterGuide on 2014 Mississippi Senate race
Jul 2, 2014
David Baria:
Strong backer of women's rights; equal pay for equal work
I am fortunate to be married to one of the most talented lawyers I have ever known. We are blessed with 2 amazingly talented daughters. In the workplace, they deserve to be treated fairly. That is why every year since 2013, I have sponsored a
bill that would make equal pay for equal work mandatory in Mississippi. I am committed to extending the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act to make sure people doing the same work with the same qualifications are paid equally regardless of gender.
Source: 2018 MS Senate campaign website, BariaForMississippi.com
Jun 26, 2018
David Baria:
Businesses shouldn't deny services to same-sex couples
Q: Support gay marriage?David Baria (D): Yes. Opposed 2016 bill to expand right of government employees & private businesses to refuse services to same-sex couples.
Roger Wicker (R): No. "I will continue to work to protect First Amendment rights of those who. oppose same-sex marriage."
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org: Mississippi legislative voting records
Oct 9, 2018
Haley Barbour:
Proud of MS's highest vote in US for traditional marriage
I am proud that Mississippi cast the highest percentage of its vote of any state in favor of the
Defense of Marriage Act, defining marriage as a union between one man and one woman;
Source: 2011 Mississippi State of the State Address
Jan 11, 2011
Jim Hood:
Help marginalized communities, like Jesus taught
In his announcement speech, Hood said the focus of his campaign would be on helping traditionally marginalized communities: "Jesus taught us to fight for the poor and the elderly and the widows and the children--the least among us,"
he said. "That's what's been ingrained in my public service."
Source: Mississippi Today on 2019 Mississippi Gubernatorial race
Oct 3, 2018
Jim Hood:
Personally opposes gay marriage ban, but defends it as AG
Mississippi Attorney general Jim Hood says the state will appeal a federal judge's ruling that struck down the 2004 ban on same-sex marriage. Hood says he personally does not agree with the ban but has a responsibility as Attorney General to defend
state law. "I don't force my personal opinions on a matter. Especially when other courts of appeal have agreed with the state's opinion. So we are going to follow it through and do our job and let the courts decide it," Hood said.Hood says he thinks
the marriage ban will eventually be overturned by the US supreme court. The state has already informed the court that it intends to appeal the ruling ahead of gay marriage potentially becoming legal in Mississippi a week from today.
Governor Phil
Bryant strongly backs appealing the ruling and says he still believes keeping same-sex couples from getting married is a good policy for the state. "Absolutely. Voted for it and continue to support it. Just like many, many Mississippians," Bryant said.
Source: MPB Public Broadcasting on 2019 Mississippi Governor race
Dec 3, 2014
Mike Espy:
Make it easier for qualified voters to vote during pandemic
As the election approaches, we should make it easier for qualified voters to vote. No-excuse absentee and early voting should be the law in Mississippi.
No one should be forced to risk their health to exercise their right to vote.
Source: 2020 Mississippi Senate campaign website EspyForSenate.com
Jun 25, 2020
Mike Espy:
HRC endorsement: Espy a strong LGBTQ ally
The Human Rights Campaign announced its endorsement of former Secretary Mike Espy in his bid for the U.S. Senate. Secretary Mike Espy has been a strong ally for the LGBTQ community. Espy has committed to co-sponsoring and voting for the Equality Act
if elected, crucial federal legislation that would finally guarantee explicit, protections for LGBTQ people under our nation's existing civil rights laws. HRC previously endorsed Espy in his previous bid for this seat.
Source: Human Rights Campaign: 2020 Mississippi Senate endorsements
Mar 4, 2020
Phil Bryant:
Backs bill for marriage between one man and one woman
House Bill 1523 singles out 3 religious beliefs as worthy of protection: that marriage is between one man and one woman; that people should not have sex outside such marriages; and that a person's gender is set at birth. The law protects anyone who
speaks out against gay marriage or transgenders because of these beliefs. Gov. Bryant and Lt. Gov. Reeves, two of the bill's most prominent advocates, said the state should stand by its law and appeal the ruling to the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.
Source: Mississippi Today on Mississippi voting record: HB 1523
Jun 30, 2016
Phil Bryant:
2016: Let businesses refuse to serve LGBT people
[2019 Gubernatorial candidate Robert] Foster, who is Baptist, touts his status as a "strong Christian and balanced conservative voice," and his record of supporting anti-LGBT legislation is sure to endear him to evangelicals.
In 2016, Foster wrote in support of House Bill 1523, the "Protecting Freedom of Conscience from Government Discrimination Act," which guarantees businesses the right to discriminate against and refuse to serve
LGBT people on the basis of personal religious beliefs about same-sex marriage and gender identity.Foster defended his support for the bill at the time, writing in
April 2016 that "dealing with discrimination is part of the price you pay to live in a free society." Later that month, Gov. Phil Bryant signed it into law.
Source: Jackson Free Press on Mississippi voting record: HB1523
Dec 10, 2018
Phil Bryant:
Banning same-sex marriage is good policy
Mississippi Attorney general Jim Hood says the state will appeal a federal judge's ruling that struck down the 2004 ban on same-sex marriage. Hood says he personally does not agree with the ban but has a responsibility as Attorney General to defend
state law. "I don't force my personal opinions on a matter. Especially when other courts of appeal have agreed with the state's opinion. So we are going to follow it through and do our job and let the courts decide it," Hood said.Hood says he thinks
the marriage ban will eventually be overturned by the US supreme court. The state has already informed the court that it intends to appeal the ruling ahead of gay marriage potentially becoming legal in Mississippi a week from today.
Governor Phil
Bryant strongly backs appealing the ruling and says he still believes keeping same-sex couples from getting married is a good policy for the state. "Absolutely. Voted for it and continue to support it. Just like many, many Mississippians," Bryant said.
Source: MPB Public Broadcasting on 2019 Mississippi Governor race
Dec 3, 2014
Robert Foster:
Let businesses refuse to serve LGBT people
Foster, who is Baptist, touts his status as a "strong Christian and balanced conservative voice," and his record of supporting anti-LGBT legislation is sure to endear him to evangelicals.
In 2016, Foster wrote in support of House Bill 1523, the "Protecting Freedom of Conscience from Government Discrimination Act," which guarantees businesses the right to discriminate against and refuse to serve
LGBT people on the basis of personal religious beliefs about same-sex marriage and gender identity.Foster defended his support for the bill at the time, writing in
April 2016 that "dealing with discrimination is part of the price you pay to live in a free society." Later that month, Gov. Phil Bryant signed it into law.
Source: Jackson Free Press on Mississippi voting record: HB1523
Dec 10, 2018
Robert Foster:
2015: Never heard anyone being offended by our state flag
Foster's support for the Mississippi flag may please the state's right-wing Republican base: "I have lived in Mississippi all of my life. I have never once heard anyone mention being offended by our state flag until the tragic shooting in South Carolina
when the media told us we were supposed to be offended," Foster wrote on Facebook in November 2015.Blaming Dylann Roof's massacre of worshipers for disdain for the Confederate battle emblem in the state flag is a common talking point today among the
flag's supporters. But many Mississippians expressed discomfort with the state flag's canton well before 2015. In 2001, flag critics led an effort to change the flag with a referendum, with a focus on improving the state's business climate and
reputation to outsiders rather than what it represents, that ultimately failed among race lines.
Today, many white Mississippians who previously supported the state flag are changing their minds based on the racist legacies of slavery & the Civil War.
Source: Jackson Free Press on 2019 Mississippi governor race
Dec 10, 2018
Robert Foster:
Being discriminated against is part of our free society
Q: In one of your tweets, you said being discriminated against is part of the price we pay to live in a free society. What did you mean by that?A: I actually feel discriminated against a lot as a conservative. I feel discriminated against a lot as a
Christian in our society today, and attacked a lot for my beliefs. But I think people have the right to free speech. I don't want to quell somebody's free speech because I don't believe in what I believe. We have groups of people out there trying to
not even allow the other side to have a say.
[Race-based discrimination is] not what I was talking about in that tweet.
If you discriminate against somebody because of their skin color or something of that nature, that is wrong, and everybody would agree that that is wrong.
Source: Jackson Free Press on 2019 Mississippi Gubernatorial race
Feb 6, 2019
Robert Foster:
Denying services to gays different than denying to blacks
Q: A gay couple recently were searching for a wedding venue, but were turned down by multiple venues after they showed up and the owners realized they were a gay couple. You would allow businesses to refuse to serve LGBT people; shouldn't they have to
post a "No Gays" public notice?A: They could have simply called and just been upfront with them about (being a gay couple). Just call when you know it's something out of the ordinary and be upfront with the person, and then go do business with the
people you want to do business with.
Q: Would you say that to an interracial couple?
A: I think that's completely different situation. I just do, to me. It is not an issue, I think. I think race is completely different than getting somebody involved
in a religious ceremony that goes against their core beliefs.
Q: Historically, Christians in the South believed God "made the races separate."
A: Honestly, I just don't see that in my views as a Christian. I haven't gotten that from the Bible.
Source: Jackson Free Press on 2019 Mississippi Gubernatorial race
Feb 6, 2019
Roger Wicker:
Allow businesses to deny services to same-sex couples
Q: Support gay marriage?David Baria (D): Yes. Opposed 2016 bill to expand right of government employees & private businesses to refuse services to same-sex couples.
Roger Wicker (R): No. "I will continue to work to protect First Amendment rights of those who. oppose same-sex marriage."
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Mississippi Senate race
Oct 9, 2018
Ronnie Musgrove:
Ban gay couples from adopting
Mississippi on Wednesday became the third state to ban gay couples from adopting children, although the plan is likely to be challenged in court. Democratic Gov. Ronnie Musgrove signed the bill after it easily cleared the Legislature in the final days
of the recently concluded 2000 session. Florida and Utah have similar laws.
Mississippi's law takes effect July 1. Its supporters said it was spurred in part by Vermont's new law giving gay couples nearly all of the benefits of marriage.
Source: CBS News, "Mississippi Bans Gay Adoptions"
May 3, 2000
Tate Reeves:
Backs bill for marriage between one man and one woman
House Bill 1523 singles out 3 religious beliefs as worthy of protection: that marriage is between one man and one woman; that people should not have sex outside such marriages; and that a person's gender is set at birth. The law protects anyone who
speaks out against gay marriage or transgenders because of these beliefs. Gov. Bryant and Lt. Gov. Reeves, two of the bill's most prominent advocates, said the state should stand by its law and appeal the ruling to the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.
Source: Mississippi Today on Mississippi voting record: HB 1523
Jun 30, 2016
Tate Reeves:
Clerks have religious right to refuse gay marriage licenses
A federal judge ruled that clerks in Mississippi may not recuse themselves from issuing marriage licenses to gay couples based on religious beliefs. But Mississippi's Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves, quickly slammed the ruling in a statement. "If this opinion
by the federal court denies even one Mississippian of their fundamental right to practice their religion, then all Mississippians are denied their 1st Amendment rights," Reeves said.
Source: Reuters news service on 2018 Mississippi Senate race
May 3, 2018
Vicki Slater:
Remove Confederate Battle symbol from state flag
Vicki Slater announced her support for changing the Mississippi state flag. Slater said the state flag should represent the prosperity of each and every Mississippian, adding that the flag makes some feel unwelcome here.She commends Gov. Nikki Haley
for calling for the removal of the Confederate Battle flag on the S.C. State House grounds. "We should change the flag. If the emblem is offensive to any of our Christian brothers and sisters, and it's divisive, then it needs to be changed," said Slater.
Source: WXXV Fox-25 coverage of 2015 Mississippi gubernatorial race
Jun 24, 2015
Vicki Slater:
People don't recognize MS flag, only Confederate flag
Q: Some people are calling for a special legislative session on the changing the state flag.A: One of the main problems with the flag is that it's the vision that businesses and other states have of Mississippi because of that flag [At events where]
there were flags from all 50 states and people in the stands were outraged, saying, 'Why is there a Confederate flag?" They didn't recognize that as the Mississippi state flag. They just recognized it as a Confederate flag.
The flag that we have now was never made the official flag until a few years ago. It was always flown as if it was the state flag, even though it was not. So if you look at it in that way, the governor could just say
I'm going to fly a flag that isn't official.
Q: Would you use your authority as governor to do that?
A: I would certainly contemplate it.
Source: Jackson Free Press on 2015 Mississippi Gubernatorial race
Jul 22, 2015
Vicki Slater:
Supreme Court gay marriage ruling is not federal overreach
Q: On marriage equality, there's a feeling that the Legislature might try to throw up another roadblock next year.A: I've heard a lot of rhetoric from the Republicans that the gay-marriage ruling was federal overreach. It's not federal overreach for
the U.S. Supreme Court to interpret the U.S. Constitution, and it's not the first time the U.S. Supreme Court has addressed the issue of marriage. Basically, what they've said is what is private to an individual is up to that individual, so I don't
really see it as federal overreach at all. I don't see it as unprecedented as far as the court speaking to marriage. What the Supreme Court said in this decision was that the state should allow gay marriage, but that the religious leaders have a right
not to perform the ceremony if it violates their religion. If the Mississippi Legislature passed a law that said religious leaders don't have to do this, it would be an unnecessary law, but it would be in line with the Constitution.
Source: Jackson Free Press on 2015 Mississippi Gubernatorial race
Jul 22, 2015
Brandon Presley:
His views on issues about the LGBTQ community remain unknown
As Northern District Public Service Commissioner, Presley is the highest elected Democratic state official. Fifteen years of service on the commission, though, rarely involved taking positions on hot-button social issues like LGBTQ rights.
His views on many social issues, including those impacting the LGBTQ community, remain largely unknown.
Source: Clarion Ledger on 2023 Mississippi Gubernatorial race
Mar 6, 2023
Roger Wicker:
Enforce Court decision ending college affirmative action
On June 29, 2023, the Supreme Court struck a blow against institutionally-driven racism in the United States. In Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard College, the Supreme Court found [that colleges with affirmative action admissions] were
impermissibly discriminating against certain applicants based exclusively on their race.While the Court took a big step forward in eliminating racial discrimination in admissions, more work remains to be done. In his remarks in the wake of the
landmark decision, President Biden proposed "a new standard, where colleges take into account the adversity a student has overcome, including racial discrimination that individuals have faced in their own lives."
We call upon the Biden administration
to embrace the Court's holdings: racial discrimination [does not] have any place in schooling. The American people deserve no less than an Executive Branch committed to enforcing the law equally to all people without concern for their race.
Source: Sen.Ernst press release:for 2024 Mississippi Senate race
Sep 12, 2023
Ty Pinkins:
Wholeheartedly support ensuring equal rights for LGBTQ+
I wholeheartedly support legislation that ensures equal rights for members of the LGBTQ+ community in employment, housing, education, and public services. Every individual, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression,
deserves the same rights and protections as any other citizen. When we allow discrimination against any group, we undermine the very values of justice, freedom, and equality for all.
Source: 2024 Mississippi Senate campaign website TyPinkins.com
Jun 26, 2024
Dan Eubanks:
Don't teach Critical Race Theory (CRT)
Q: EQUALITY: I agree with Critical Race Theory (CRT) which asserts that the institutions in the United States are fundamentally racist.A: Strongly Disagree. Teaching anyone that they are inherently better or worse than someone else based solely
on their race, is not just wrong, but evil. Like Dr. Martin Luther King said, a person should not be judged by the color of their skin, but the content of their character.
Q: Biological males should not be allowed to participate in women's sports or
occupy biological women's spaces whether it be bathrooms, locker rooms, sorority houses, women's shelters, or prison.
A: Strongly Agree. I helped pass the ban against biological males in female sports in Mississippi,
and fought and won against former State Superintendent Dr. Carey Wright when she was going to enact these awful policies being handed down from the U.S. D.O.E. in Mississippi.
Source: AFA iVoterGuide on 2024 Mississippi Senate race
Mar 12, 2024
Dan Eubanks:
Let business use religious belief to not serve LGBT people
Analysis of HB 1523 by the Mississippi Clarion Ledger: A reaction to the Supreme Court's ruling legalizing gay marriage nationwide, the Mississippi bill seeks to protect by law the belief that marriage is the union of one man and one
woman and prevents government intervention when churches or businesses act "based upon or in a manner consistent with a sincerely held religious belief or moral conviction." The advocacy director for the Mississippi Center for Justice said
HB 1523 "violates a fundamental American value and strikes at the very heart of our work towards a fairer and more just state. This law is discriminatory."Legislative Outcome:
Passed Senate 32-17-1 on Mar/30/17; Passed House 69-44-8 on Apr/1/17; State Rep. Dan Eubanks voted YES; Signed by Governor Phil Bryant on Apr/19/17.
Source: Mississippi Clarion Ledger on voting record HB 1523
Apr 1, 2017
Chris McDaniel:
Let business use religious belief to not serve LGBT people
Analysis of HB 1523 by the Mississippi Clarion Ledger: A reaction to the Supreme Court's ruling legalizing gay marriage nationwide, the Mississippi bill seeks to protect by law the
belief that marriage is the union of one man and one woman and prevents government intervention when churches or businesses act "based upon or in a manner consistent with a sincerely held religious belief or moral conviction."
The advocacy director for the Mississippi Center for Justice said HB 1523 "violates a fundamental American value and strikes at the very heart of our work towards a fairer and more just state. This law is discriminatory."
Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 32-17-1 on Mar/30/17; State Sen. Chris McDaniel voted YES; Passed House 69-44-8 on Apr/1/17; Signed by Governor Phil Bryant on Apr/19/17.
Source: Clarion-Ledger on Mississippi voting record HB 1523
Mar 30, 2017
Phil Bryant:
Let business use religious belief to not serve LGBT people
Analysis of HB 1523 by the Mississippi Clarion Ledger: A reaction to the Supreme Court's ruling legalizing gay marriage nationwide, the Mississippi bill seeks to protect by law the
belief that marriage is the union of one man and one woman and prevents government intervention when churches or businesses act "based upon or in a manner consistent with a sincerely held religious belief or moral conviction."
The advocacy director for the Mississippi Center for Justice said HB 1523 "violates a fundamental American value and strikes at the very heart of our work towards a fairer and more just state. This law is discriminatory."
Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 32-17-1 on Mar/30/17; Passed House 69-44-8 on Apr/1/17; Signed by Governor Phil Bryant on Apr/19/17.
Source: Clarion-Ledger on Mississippi voting record HB 1523
Apr 19, 2017
Robert Foster:
Let business use religious belief to not serve LGBT people
Analysis of HB 1523 by the Mississippi Clarion Ledger: A reaction to the Supreme Court's ruling legalizing gay marriage nationwide, the Mississippi bill seeks to protect by law the
belief that marriage is the union of one man and one woman and prevents government intervention when churches or businesses act "based upon or in a manner consistent with a sincerely held religious belief or moral conviction."
The advocacy director for the Mississippi Center for Justice said HB 1523 "violates a fundamental American value and strikes at the very heart of our work towards a fairer and more just state. This law is discriminatory."
Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 32-17-1 on Mar/30/17; Passed House 69-44-8 on Apr/1/17; State Rep. Robert Foster voted YES; Signed by Governor Phil Bryant on Apr/19/17.
Source: Clarion-Ledger on Mississippi voting record HB 1523
Apr 1, 2017
Brandon Presley:
Trust parents on gender-affirming care for their kids
LGBT Rights : Limit or expand LGBTQ rights?- Brandon Presley (D): Mixed. Would not have signed a bill outlawing gender-affirming care for transgender minors such as puberty blockers. "I trust mamas and
I trust daddies to deal with the health care of their children first and foremost." Later he said new restrictions are "settled in Mississippi,"so would not work to reverse them.
-
Tate Reeves (R): Limit. Signed a bill banning gender-affirming care for minors. Signed a bill banning transgender athletes from competing on girls or women's sports teams.
Supported a Supreme Court decision allowing a woman creating wedding websites to refuse service for same sex weddings.
Source: Guides.vote candidate survey: 2023 Mississippi Governor race
Aug 8, 2024
Tate Reeves:
Ban gender-affirming care for minors
LGBT Rights : Limit or expand LGBTQ rights?- Brandon Presley (D): Mixed. Would not have signed a bill outlawing gender-affirming care for transgender minors such as puberty blockers. "I trust mamas and
I trust daddies to deal with the health care of their children first and foremost." Later he said new restrictions are "settled in Mississippi,"so would not work to reverse them.
-
Tate Reeves (R): Limit. Signed a bill banning gender-affirming care for minors. Signed a bill banning transgender athletes from competing on girls or women's sports teams.
Supported a Supreme Court decision allowing a woman creating wedding websites to refuse service for same sex weddings.
Source: Guides.vote candidate survey: 2023 Mississippi Governor race
Aug 8, 2024
Ty Pinkins:
Civil rights attorney; graduated from Georgetown University
Pinkins is focusing on three key issues: healthcare, education and the economy. He previously announced his intent to run in January 2023. That same year he also lost his bid to become Mississippi's Secretary of State to Republican Michael Watson."I
am running because I am concerned about the direction in which our country is going," Pinkins said on Jan. 8. "Families are struggling to make ends meet because life is more expensive for Mississippians. Women's reproductive rights are under attack by
politicians and unelected judges, and our very democracy is being threatened by those who wish to tear down the institutional safeguards provided by our Founding Fathers that have guided us for centuries."
A native of Rolling Fork, Pinkins is a
Civil Rights attorney, who graduated from Georgetown University, according to his campaign website. He was an active duty member of the U.S. Army for 21 years, serving three tours in Iraq and received the Bronze Star for his service.
Source: Clarion-Ledger on 2024 Mississippi Senate race
Mar 8, 2024
Cindy Hyde-Smith:
Urged NCAA to ban transgender athletes from women's sports
22 U.S. Senators sent a letter to NCAA President Charlie Baker urging him to update its student-athlete policy to ban transgender athletes from participating in women's sports. The senators wrote: "Amid the Biden-Harris administration's unprecedented
assault on Title IX, we write to urge the National Collegiate Athletic Association to update your student-athlete participation policy to require that only biologically female students participate in women's sports."The NCAA updated its policy in
2022 on transgender athletes, aligning itself with Olympic standard. The NCAA requires transgender athletes to give documentation that meets sports standards for testosterone levels at three points in time:
- Prior to any competition during the
regular season;
- Prior to the first competition in an NCAA championship event; and
- Prior to any competition in the non-championship segment.
A CNN report estimates there are fewer than 40 transgender athletes among more than 500,000 athletes.
Source: CBS-2-Iowa's Tyler Downey on 2026 Mississippi Senate race
Aug 8, 2024
Cindy Hyde-Smith:
Blocked judicial nominee for supporting transgender rights
Hyde-Smith is blocking the judicial nomination of a district attorney from her state because he's supported transgender rights. "I visited with the District Attorney recently, and I recognize that he is smart and well liked in his district," Hyde-Smith
said. "However, there are a number of concerns I have regarding his record. As someone with a strong interest in protecting the rights of girls and women, I am concerned about Scott Colom's opposition to legislation to protect female athletes."
Source: Advocate.com on 2026 Mississippi Senate race
Apr 7, 2023
Roger Wicker:
Urged NCAA to ban transgender athletes from women's sports
22 U.S. Senators sent a letter to NCAA President Charlie Baker urging him to update its student-athlete policy to ban transgender athletes from participating in women's sports. The senators wrote: "Amid the Biden-Harris administration's unprecedented
assault on Title IX, we write to urge the National Collegiate Athletic Association to update your student-athlete participation policy to require that only biologically female students participate in women's sports."The NCAA updated its policy in
2022 on transgender athletes, aligning itself with Olympic standard. The NCAA requires transgender athletes to give documentation that meets sports standards for testosterone levels at three points in time:
- Prior to any competition during the
regular season;
- Prior to the first competition in an NCAA championship event; and
- Prior to any competition in the non-championship segment.
A CNN report estimates there are fewer than 40 transgender athletes among more than 500,000 athletes.
Source: CBS-2-Iowa's Tyler Downey on 2026 Mississippi Senate race
Aug 8, 2024
Page last updated: Feb 07, 2026