Republican leader takes aim at High School League
A top Republican in the Minnesota House on Saturday called for more scrutiny of the Minnesota State High School League following its approval of a policy to let transgender athletes play on the sports teams that best align with their gender identity.
State Rep. Joyce Peppin, who is set to become House Majority Leader next month, told a group of GOP activists that she thinks the league needs Legislative oversight.
The league's board voted overwhelmingly Thursday to approve the policy. Its proponents say it will make transgender students feel more welcome in sports. Critics say it's risky to let transgender girls, who were born as boys, play on girls' teams.
Peppin said she's concerned about the decision, as well as the autonomy of the non-elected body. She said she does not yet have a specific proposal.
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"I think that if folks don't like their decision, they ought to have an opportunity of some redress of grievances," said Peppin, R-Rogers.
The Child Protection League contends the policy would could lead to transgender students sharing locker rooms and showers with non-transgender girls.
Advocates for transgender athletes say those fears are baseless, and have never been a problem in the two dozen states with similar policies already in place.
Gov. Mark Dayton applauded the league's action Thursday and described some of the arguments made by opponents as "absurd" and "destructive."