By Jasz Garrett and Grace Dumas
Juneau, Alaska (KINY) – The Alaska State Legislator’s House Education committee met on Monday to discuss House Bill 183, a bill which would designate student participation in sports to align with sex assigned at birth.
Representative Andi Story testified at the meeting.
“I just wanted to say from our prior hearing and concerns raised, I feel that because of constitutional issues that would put at risk trans rights, I cannot support this legislation,” she said. “I am really concerned about the at-risk and vulnerability and discrimination that I feel trans children would face in this bill.”
Rep. Jamie Allard sponsored the bill.
“As a mom of two daughters, I would like to encourage the State legislature in a bipartisan effort to support “An Act relating to school athletics, recreation, athletic teams, and sports.” This bill HB 183 acknowledges the biological differences and disparities between men and women and requires students to play according to their biological sex. Our girls deserve a fair playing field. They deserve the chance to win first place, scholarships, and gold medals,” Rep. Allard wrote in her sponsor statement.
HB 183 was moved out of the House Education committee at the end of the meeting, 4-3.
Rep. McCormick, Rep. Story, and Rep. Himschoot voted no. Rep. McKay, Rep. Prax, co-chair Rep. Allard and co-chair Rep. Ruffridge voted yes.
HB 183 now heads to the House Judiciary Committee.
