Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., said Tuesday on Newsmax that the debate over transgender participation in women's sports is not a partisan matter but a fundamental American issue.
Speaking on Newsmax's "Rob Schmitt Tonight," Tuberville criticized Senate Democrats for voting against the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act. The legislation aimed to ensure that female athletes compete only against biological females in school sports.
"They don't have any leadership," Tuberville said. "If they had any leadership at all, [Minority Leader Chuck] Schumer would have said, 'Listen, let's pass this. Get it out of the way. We don't want this to be an election issue.' But they all voted against it."
Tuberville stressed that the issue transcends party lines, calling it a matter of "common sense."
"It's not a Democrat or Republican issue," he said. "It's an American issue. We're going to destroy women's sports, is what's going to happen."
The former Auburn University football coach also praised President Donald Trump for issuing an executive order, though he argued that a permanent legislative solution is necessary.
"Thank God President Trump is in office. He did an executive order," Tuberville said. "But we've got to make this 100% for life."
The issue gained renewed attention after North Carolina high school volleyball player Peyton McNabb suffered a severe injury when struck in the face by a ball hit by a transgender opponent. The New York Post reported that McNabb was knocked unconscious for 30 minutes.
Tuberville expressed concern about the growing number of incidents involving transgender athletes competing against women, referencing other sports as well.
"I've seen videos of this, Rob," he said. "I also saw the young man boxing against the woman in the Olympics. It's just totally wrong. And they know that. They're just playing politics."
He added that Trump planned to highlight McNabb's case in an upcoming speech, using it as an example of the risks posed to female athletes.
"He's going to have this young lady there and just show an example of what could happen to any young lady across this country when it comes to participating against biological men," Tuberville said.
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Jim Thomas ✉
Jim Thomas is a writer based in Indiana. He holds a bachelor's degree in Political Science, a law degree from U.I.C. Law School, and has practiced law for more than 20 years.
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