By DANIEL BREEN
Arkansas lawmakers have proposed a bill that would make it illegal for schools to allow transgender girls and women to play on sports teams corresponding to their gender identity.
The legislation, called the Gender Integrity Reinforcement Legislation for Sports (GIRLS) Act, is sponsored by Sen. Missy Irvin, R-Mountain View, and Rep. DeAnn Vaught, R-Horatio. State Attorney General Leslie Rutledge introduced the bill at a news conference Monday.
"We don't want common sense to be overshadowed by so-called political correctness, and this bill would ensure the integrity of girls and women in sports," Rutledge said. "This legislation will create a space for women’s sports and will provide opportunities for women to demonstrate their skills, strength and athletic abilities against other females of the same biological stature."
Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge speaks alongside state lawmakers Monday at the Arkansas State Capitol.
CREDIT DANIEL BREEN / KUAR NEWS