Last week, Townhall reported how one Republican governor announced that he vetoed pieces of legislation surrounding the transgender agenda. One of the provisions he vetoed would have prohibited men who believe they are “trans women” from competing in women’s sports.
Shortly after, one sport, USA Boxing, announced that it would allow “trans women” to compete against females. Now, another sport appears to be following suit.
This week, USA Climbing announced that it would delay the implementation of a policy that would require “transgender” athletes to compete in divisions aligning with their biological sex instead of their gender identity.
“To reduce administrative complexities for all athletes, USA Climbing is delaying the implementation of the Transgender Athlete Participation Policy,” a statement from the organization read.
“Athletes may continue to compete in the gender category aligning with their identity,” it continued. “USA Climbing remains dedicated to ensuring an inclusive and fair competitive environment for all. We will release an updated policy in the coming weeks.”
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Riley Gaines, the former NCAA swimmer who tied with Will “Lia” Thomas, called the move “embarrassing” and pointed out that it’s “neither fair nor inclusive” to force women to compete against men who think they’re women.
“@USAClimbing doesn't believe women deserve equal opportunities. Keep the pressure on them,” she added.
What an embarrassing statement. Allowing men to compete with women is neither fair nor inclusive. @USAClimbing doesn't believe women deserve equal opportunities. Keep the pressure on them. https://t.co/fYvrmF267I
— Riley Gaines (@Riley_Gaines_) January 9, 2024
Four-time Team USA member Carilyn Johnson spoke out against the decision, as well.
“Why, why, why is this still happening? And in climbing?! Superior upper body strength, greater wingspan, taller - all obvious, and apparent to everyone, inherent biological advantages of men in climbing. Sometimes I think we are just getting punk’d,” she said.
“And of course, @USAClimbing has their replies turned off. So much for genuine, fair debate. Do better for your female athletes. If you are going to have such a blatantly unfair policy, at least be brave enough to accept the inevitable calling-out that comes with it,” she continued.
Why, why, why is this still happening? And in climbing?! Superior upper body strength, greater wingspan, taller - all obvious, and apparent to everyone, inherent biological advantages of men in climbing. Sometimes I think we are just getting punk’d. And of course, @USAClimbing… https://t.co/5VxQVvRmgH
— Carilyn Johnson (@CarilynJohnson) January 9, 2024
Since the situation involving Thomas, many states have passed laws prohibiting transgender athletes from competing on teams that align with their “gender identity.”
"I think the Lia Thomas situation, bringing this to the national stage, opened a door. People see an opportunity when they see this, and they’re willing to take advantage of it. At the expense of, of course, female athletes,” Gaines told Townhall in a previous interview.
