URGE Condemns SB 9, Stands in Support of Transgender Youth’s Participation in Sports 

Last night SB 9 / HB 28, a harmful bill that would exclude transgender young people from sports teams, was blocked from moving forward. URGE: Unite for Reproductive & Gender Equity Executive Director, Kimberly Inez McGuire, released the following statement: 

“While we are pleased to see this vote fail, it should never have been up for consideration. Senate Bill 9, and others like it, would deny transgender young people the opportunity to fully participate in school, sports, and community life, imposing harmful restrictions that undermine their development and mental health. Transgender youth, like all young people, deserve the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive in an environment that affirms their identity and supports their success. Instead, this type of legislation seeks to isolate and exclude them, preventing participation in activities that foster teamwork, leadership, and self-confidence.  

“We must stand up against harmful legislation that seeks to erase and exclude transgender youth from the very spaces that should uplift them. These exclusionary policies do not protect children—they actively harm them. It is our collective responsibility to foster an environment where all young people—regardless of gender identity—can thrive.”