Data: ACLU, Freedom for All Americans; Cartogram: Michelle McGhee/Axios
Eight states this year have banned transgender kids from playing on sports teams that match their gender identity, per data from the ACLU and bipartisan LGBTQ advocacy group Freedom For All Americans.
Why it matters: So far, almost all of the record number of bills targeting trans youth that have actually passed are focused on sports, suggesting that more laws of this kind could be incoming.
- Republicans backing the bills say the legislation ensures fairness in women's sports, although multiple states that have passed bills — including Arkansas and West Virginia — have been unable to provide evidence of trans athletes gaining unfair advantages in competitions.
- The ACLU and Human Rights Campaign have announced lawsuits in response to the new laws, with the latest effort led by the HRC in Florida.
