Megan Rapinoe Criticizes Transgender Athlete Ban in Women’s Sports

Former U.S. Women’s National Team star Megan Rapinoe expressed strong opposition to the exclusion of transgender athletes from women’s sports, citing it as broader than athletic fairness issues. During her appearance on ABC’s “The View,” she claimed that such restrictions are part of a campaign against women’s empowerment.

Rapinoe argued that targeting transgender athletes is a tactic used to challenge women’s rights in society. She dismissed the justification that these actions protect girls and women in sports, questioning the supposed threat to young female athletes.

“They’re going after trans people in sports, and they’re using this as a wedge issue because we love sports,” Rapinoe said. “And, you know, we don’t want our little girls to be unsafe in sports. And it’s like, ‘Unsafe from who?'”

She raised concerns about a proposed bill in Washington, which the House Republican Caucus has stated would prohibit those defined as ‘biologically male’ from participating in certain female-only school sports. The bill also requires healthcare provider verification of a student’s biological sex.

Rapinoe criticized this approach, saying, “But now we’re using this as like, an overarching thing, when really what we’re attacking women.” She highlighted that this policy could lead to invasive gender examinations for female athletes.

She emphasized the importance of women in sports for building confidence and power. According to Rapinoe, women’s participation in elite sports contributes to their success in corporate leadership roles and personal development.

In an article for Marie Claire, titled “Anti-Trans Legislation Isn’t About ‘Protecting Girls’—It’s About Distracting Us From What Matters,” Rapinoe highlighted the long-standing presence of transgender individuals in sports and criticized what she viewed as a diversion by bad faith legislators. She noted that such issues ultimately harm women and girls the most.

Rapinoe did not respond immediately to a request for comment from Fox News Digital.