After passing the Arizona Senate, the House Judiciary Committee has approved a bill that would ban those born male from competing in girl’s sports. Republican proponents argue transgender girls have an unfair advantage against cisgender girls.
There are few instances in the state. According to Dr. Kristina Wilson with the Arizona Interscholastic Association, of the 170,000 high school athletes, only 16 requests came from transgender individuals.
A similar bill passed the committee that would forbid physicians from performing irreversible gender reassignment surgeries on those younger than 18.
Dr. Atsuko Koyama, who specializes in pediatric emergency and adolescent medical care, worries about politics getting in the way of health.
"Physicians have lengthy discussions with parents and families to determine whether or not to proceed with permanent physical changes through surgical interventions.'' Koyama said.
Both measures need to be passed by the full House.
