ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Maryland lawmakers introduced a controversial bill on Wednesday, Jan. 31, aimed at reshaping high school sports participation. Titled the "Fairness in Girls' Sports Act," House Bill 47 seeks to ban transgender athletes from participating in girls' high school sports.
The bill, co-filed by Lower Shore State Senator Mary Beth Carozza, proposes the creation of three separate categories for high school athletic teams: boys, girls, and coeducational or mixed teams. Proponents argue that the bill is necessary to ensure fairness in girls' sports, while opponents criticize it as discriminatory against transgender athletes.
After passing its first reading in the House, House Bill 47 has been referred to the Ways and Means Committee for further consideration. The controversial nature of the bill has sparked intense debate among lawmakers, educators, and activists.
If approved and signed into law, the Fairness in Girls' Sports Act would take effect on July 1. This move puts Maryland at the forefront of a national conversation about transgender inclusion in sports and the balance between competition and rights.
As the bill progresses through the legislative process, its implications for Maryland's high school sports landscape remain a focal point of discussion. The presence of this bill in Maryland's legislative session highlights the ongoing national debate over transgender rights and the evolving landscape of high school athletics.