(The Center Square) – Gov. J.B. Pritzker answered questions surrounding the issue of transgender athletes and their ability to participate in organized sports.
During an event with University of Chicago students, Pritzker spoke about the state of gender ideology in Illinois and was asked if he believes transgender athletes should be able to participate in athletics.
“Why is it that the Republican candidates can’t understand that the ough to let people live how they want to live,” Pritzker said. “Let parents manage the challenge of their own child, whether they are transgender or they might have other challenges that they need to get through.”
The issue of transgender athletes in sports has led to criticism from Republican lawmakers throughout the state.
State Rep. Adam Niemerg, R-Teutopolis, told The Center Square the left is being hypocritical about the issue.
“Biological men have no business playing in women’s sports. The left is about as hypocritical as can be on this issue,” Niemerg said. “If they actually stood for women’s rights, they would be against this too.”
Pritzker said Republicans have avoided speaking about real issues and have come up with other problems instead.
“They don’t want to talk about the real issues, so they make things up,” Pritzker said. “The Facebook fakery that goes around among Republicans is crazy to me.”
Current law states that student-athletes whose gender identity is different from their sex at birth must seek eligibility from the Illinois High School Association to participate in the postseason.
The IHSA will then review medical and school registration records and other documentation to determine the athlete’s eligibility.
As of August, 23 states have passed laws restricting transgender athletes’ ability to participate in school sports.
