Arizona House approves transgender student sports ban

Opponents call measure discriminatory

PHOENIX, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - The Arizona House of Representatives has passed a controversial measure that would prevent transgender students from participating on sports teams that align with their gender identity.

The bill was backed by majority Republicans. Democrats and advocates for transgender students fiercely oppose it.

Republican Representative Nancy Barto's proposal is intended to prevent female athletes from being forced to compete against biological males. Barto says it's an issue of basic fairness.

HB 2706 would require interscholastic and intramural leagues to designate sports as co-ed, male, or female. Teams designated as female would be closed to male students. The law would apply to both public and private schools, including community colleges and universities.

Democrats say the bill is invasive and harmful to transgender students.

An hours-long emotional debate preceded the 31-29 vote. The measure now goes to the state Senate where it promises to stir up even more controversy.