Tuberville Claims Entire Teams of Trans Girls Compete in Women's High School Sports Without Evidence

Senator's assertions stir debate over transgender athletes in high school sports / AP Photo/Ben Curtis

U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville, a Republican from Alabama, recently made controversial claims regarding transgender girls in women's high school sports during an appearance on the "Megyn Kelly Show." Tuberville alleged that some high schools in so-called "blue states" have sports teams composed entirely of transgender girls. However, the senator did not present any evidence to support this assertion.

According to Tuberville, the inclusion of transgender athletes poses a threat to the future of women’s sports. "Do you know, Megyn, that there are some high school teams in this country – in blue states – that are totally biological boys? It’s a disgrace, what’s going on," Tuberville remarked. He warned that parental concerns over safety and privacy in locker rooms could lead to the decline of women’s sports if transgender athletes continue to be allowed to compete.

The senator further claimed that track teams are primarily affected but mentioned basketball and volleyball as well. "We get calls all the time about this. Even the parents in blue states are in an uproar about it," he added. Despite these statements, when Tuberville's office was contacted by AL.com for evidence of high school teams composed solely of transgender athletes, no such proof was provided. Instead, his spokeswoman, Mallory Jaspers, shared articles about individual transgender girls winning track events but none involving entire teams of trans athletes.

Jaspers defended Tuberville’s stance, stating, "Sen. Tuberville was referring to the fact that he has heard stories from hundreds of women and girls who have lost trophies, scholarships, and opportunities to men. He will never apologize for fighting for women and girls everywhere."

This issue taps into the ongoing national debate over the inclusion of transgender athletes in women's sports. Advocates for transgender rights argue that these athletes deserve the same opportunities as their cisgender peers. Meanwhile, critics, including Tuberville, contend that biological differences between males and females create unfair competitive advantages.

Megyn Kelly, during her conversation with Tuberville, shared a personal anecdote about a friend whose daughter attended a private school in New York. Kelly alleged that the school had plans to "stack the entire girls’ ice hockey team with biological boys" to dominate the competition. However, like Tuberville, Kelly did not name the school or provide evidence to support the claim.

According to some experts, the actual number of transgender girls participating in high school sports is relatively small. Estimates suggest there are fewer than 100 trans girls competing in women’s high school sports across the United States. Nevertheless, Tuberville maintains that this issue requires immediate attention, framing his bill as a defense of fairness in women’s athletics.

The senator's proposed legislation seeks to ban transgender athletes from competing in women’s sports under Title IX. He emphasized the importance of bringing the bill to the Senate floor for a vote. "Now, it’s time to put up or shut up," Tuberville stated. "We’ve got to get it on the floor so people can see. If it’s not going to pass, we’ll do it again. But we’ve got to get people on the record."

While the bill reportedly has the support of Republican senators, it will require Democratic votes to surpass the 60-vote threshold necessary to overcome a filibuster. Tuberville expressed optimism that Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., would ensure the bill makes it to the Senate floor for consideration.

The debate over transgender athletes in women’s sports continues to be a polarizing issue in the U.S., reflecting broader cultural and political divisions. As lawmakers and advocates on both sides navigate this contentious topic, the conversation about inclusion, fairness, and athletic competition remains far from settled.