Minnesota Lawmaker Faces Backlash After Equating Trans Athlete Bill to "State-Sanctioned Genocide"
A heated debate surrounding transgender athletes in girls’ and women’s sports reached a boiling point in Minnesota this week, as a state representative ignited controversy by labeling a bill aimed at restricting participation based on biological sex as "state-sanctioned genocide." The remark, made during a hearing on the Preserve Women’s Sports Act in the Minnesota House of Representatives, has triggered a wave of criticism and led to the lawmaker deactivating her X (formerly Twitter) account amid the fallout.
Representative Alicia Kozlowski, a member of the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party, made the inflammatory statement during arguments for the bill, which seeks to define "female" for sports participation based on biological sex assigned at birth. The legislation stipulates that only individuals biologically determined as female, with respect to their reproductive system and genetics, may participate in sports teams designated for women and girls at the elementary and secondary school levels.
"Members, make no mistake that this is just another version of state-sanctioned bullying and genocide," Kozlowski declared. "And I don’t say that lightly."
The comments, quickly captured on video and disseminated across social media platforms, have generated widespread condemnation. Critics have accused Kozlowski of trivializing the term "genocide," a word reserved for the deliberate and systematic destruction of a racial, ethnic, religious, or national group. Many have pointed out the historical significance and weight of the term, arguing that its use in this context is not only inaccurate but also deeply offensive to victims of genocide worldwide.
Following the backlash, Kozlowski deactivated her X account, mirroring a similar action taken by another Democratic lawmaker in Maine just days earlier. Ryan Fecteau, the Maine House of Representatives Democratic speaker, deleted his X account after facing intense criticism for censuring Republican Rep. Laurel Libby, who had publicly highlighted a transgender high school athlete’s victory in a girls’ competition. The censure, which revoked Libby’s speaking and voting privileges, further fueled the debate on transgender inclusion in sports and sparked accusations of silencing dissenting voices.
The parallel between the two situations highlights the growing tension and sensitivity surrounding the issue of transgender athletes in sports, particularly within the Democratic Party. While many Democrats advocate for inclusivity and equal opportunities for transgender individuals, concerns about fairness and safety for cisgender female athletes have also emerged, creating internal divisions and fueling heated political discourse.
Despite deactivating her X account, Kozlowski has continued to face criticism on her other social media platforms. Her Instagram account, in particular, has been flooded with comments criticizing her remarks and questioning her understanding of the term "genocide." Some users have accused her of hating girls and disregarding the inherent biological advantages that biological males possess in sports.
"You should look up the word genocide and educate yourself before you use it lightly," one user wrote.
"Why do you hate girls having fair competition? Biological males 100% of the time will have an advantage… It’s literally in their DNA, which can’t be changed. You know, science and all that," another user commented.
Kozlowski was among the 66 Democrats who voted against the Preserve Women’s Sports Act. The bill ultimately failed to pass, falling one vote short of the required 68-vote threshold.
Proponents of the bill, primarily Republicans, have argued that it is necessary to protect the integrity of women’s sports and ensure fair competition. They contend that allowing biological males to compete against biological females creates an uneven playing field and could potentially lead to injuries.
"We cannot allow our girls to be vulnerable to losing their spot on the team, being on the podium, or to injury by a male teammate or male competitor," said state Rep. Peggy Scott. "That is not safe and that is not fair to our girls."
The debate has also attracted the attention of prominent figures outside of the Minnesota legislature. Former Minnesota Vikings player Jack Brewer joined Riley Gaines, a former collegiate swimmer who has become a vocal advocate for restricting transgender athletes’ participation in women’s sports, at the Minnesota state Capitol to support the bill. Brewer criticized Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz for allowing biological males to compete in girls’ sports, calling his stance "disgusting" and claiming he doesn’t appeal to "real men and boys who have battled it out on the gridiron."
The controversy in Minnesota is unfolding against a backdrop of increasing national scrutiny on transgender athletes in sports. The Minnesota State High School League is among several state scholastic conferences that have announced their intention to continue allowing trans athletes to participate in girls’ sports, defying pressure from some conservative groups and politicians.
However, the issue has also caught the attention of federal authorities. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi sent a letter last month warning of potential consequences for not passing the "Preserving Girls’ Sports Act." The Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights has initiated a Title IX investigation into the Minnesota State High School League, examining whether the organization’s policies deny girls an equal opportunity to participate in sports by requiring them to compete against boys.
The Department of Justice has indicated its readiness to take appropriate action to enforce federal law if the investigation reveals that Minnesota entities are indeed denying girls an equal opportunity to participate in sports.
The debate surrounding transgender athletes in sports remains a complex and highly charged issue, with strong opinions on both sides. While proponents of inclusive policies argue for equal opportunities and the right to self-identification, opponents raise concerns about fairness, safety, and the integrity of women’s sports. The controversy in Minnesota underscores the challenges that state legislatures and athletic organizations face in navigating this sensitive issue and finding solutions that balance the rights and concerns of all involved. The use of strong language, such as the term "genocide," further complicates the debate and highlights the need for respectful and nuanced dialogue.
