The Democratic rep for New York, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC), ripped into right-wing lawmakers during a congressional hearing. According to reports, the lawmakers discussed legislative proposals to restrict trans athletes from participating in sports.
However, the “squad” Democrat wasn’t having it. Ocasio-Cortez claimed “all” underage women will face “genital examinations” if they bar biological men from women’s sports. She made this statement during the December 5, 2023, House Oversight Subcommittee on Health hearing.
The hearing featured NCAA swimming legend and women’s sports advocate Riley Gaines. In typical AOC fashion, Ocasio-Cortez used her time to expose the true, transphobic intentions behind the hearing.
A video of her speaking at the hearing and laying out the intentions behind it has hit over 2 million views on X. In the video, AOC explains why Republican attempts to target trans women in sports are dangerous for all women, cis or transgender.
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She also spoke about reasons women should not trust the “claims” that this legislation would “protect” them. At the hearing, Ocasio-Cortez said, “We’re here today because there’s a proposal here to marginalize trans women in sports further.”
In addition, Ocasio-Cortez said the proposals would see women getting their pants checked if someone disbelieves their stated gender. “We are talking about opening up all women and girls to genital examinations when they are underage, potentially just because someone can point to someone and say, I don’t think you are a girl,” she claimed.
Ocasio-Cortez added, “Trans people in the United States don’t even exceed one percent of our population.” She continued, “Yet, there are so many resources, energy, and time dedicated to figuring out how we can more finely exclude them from our sports.”
Consequently, AOC said she realized that these proposed legislations are attempts by Republicans to invade the privacy of women. The squad Democrat’s claims come months after the Ohio state Senate removed a controversial provision from a state House proposal.
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The senate barred biological men from competing against women, which would have required genital examinations to confirm a student-athlete’s gender. However, Ohio Senate Republicans replaced the provision with a less controversial requirement.
Consequently, student-athletes whose gender is in question must “present a copy of their original birth certificate” to compete. However, State Senate President Matt Huffman kicked against the genital inspection provision in the June 2022 bill.
“I’m not sure why that’s in the bill. It’s unnecessary,” Huffman said. He added that they can do the tests with a simple DNA swab. While speaking at the hearing, Ocasio-Cortez called on Fatima Goss Graves, president and CEO of the National Women’s Law Center.
She asked Graves to explain the term “sex testing,” which states with youth trans athletic bans require. Graves said, “In some states, any individual could challenge whether someone is a girl enough to play.” She added, “In some states, it requires actual genital verification, which is shocking.”
Consequently, Ocasio-Cortez pointed to states like Ohio, which had proposed bans on trans athletes. According to Ocasio-Cortez, the bans would have allowed for genital examinations on minors “to quote-unquote protect women.”
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In addition, Ocasio-Cortez pointed out that Black women and girls would be disproportionately affected by the proposed legislation. She also cited examples of Black professional athletes like Serena Williams.
Also, the hearing saw fireworks go off when NCAA swimming legend Gaines fired back at “Squad” rep Summer Lee (D-Pa). Lee called Gaines’ testimony, and the testimonies of the other women leaders looking to restrict women’s sports to biological women, “transphobic.”
Consequently, the former NCAA swimmer fired back at Lee, saying, “I believe your opening monologue makes you a misogynist.” Wrapping up her scathing speech, AOC highlighted how, time and time again, Republican lawmakers have put women in danger.
She cited some of the legislation they have voted for and against, including women’s access to abortion and equal pay. Hence, she asked why anyone should believe that anti-trans laws are primarily to protect women.
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