On March 3, Republican Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds signed a law that bans transgender girls and women in the state from competing in sports according to their gender identity, NPR noted.
The measure applies to public and private K-12 schools and community colleges as well as colleges and universities affiliated with the NCAA and NAIA. Under the law, which takes effect immediately, only cisgender female athletes are allowed to compete in female sports; transgender girls and women would be forced to play against boys and men.
The law's backers say it's intended to ensure fair competition among girls and women. But opponents call it a discriminatory attempt to sideline transgender students who they say make up a small fraction of athletes in the state and do not pose the competitive threat that supporters claim.
On her Facebook page, Reynolds stated, "Protecting girls sports in Iowa! It's a fairness issue! Today I signed HF2416 into law, which allows participation in sports based upon the biological sex listed on the athlete's birth certificate."
Becky Smiththe executive director of Iowa Safe Schools, which advocates for LGBTQ youthheld up a transgender flag behind the bill-signing ceremony.
Ten other states have transgender-related sports bans in place, although many of them are dealing with legal challenges.