West Virginia Governor Vows to Protect Women’s Sports Amid Transgender Participation Controversy
West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey has reaffirmed his commitment to protecting women’s and girls’ sports after a transgender athlete, 13-year-old Becky Pepper-Jackson, competed in the state championship, finishing third in discus and eighth in shot put. This event has sparked renewed debate about the participation of transgender athletes in girls’ sports, particularly following a recent Supreme Court case regarding the issue.
In a recent Facebook post, Morrisey expressed his discontent, stating, "A boy is currently competing in girls’ sports… It’s wrong and unfair." He urged officials to maintain separate scoring until a legal resolution is reached, declaring, "We will not stop fighting to protect girls’ sports."
Last year, a federal appeals court blocked a West Virginia law designed to prevent biological males from competing against female athletes, siding with the argument that it cannot be enforced on a middle school-aged trans girl taking puberty-blocking medication. West Virginia is currently appealing this ruling to the Supreme Court.
As the track and field postseason progresses, Morrisey has encouraged coaches and athletes to take a stand against transgender participation in girls’ sports, condemning the situation as "abhorrent" and contrary to law. He called for tournament officials to keep a full record of results to honor the true winners once a Supreme Court ruling is issued.
This ongoing legal and ethical battle over sports participation continues to divide opinions, with supporters advocating for inclusion while others argue for the protection of women’s sports integrity. The outcome of the appeal could have lasting implications for the future of competitive athletics in West Virginia and beyond.
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