Warren’s "Thumbs Down" Vote Sparks Outrage Over Transgender Sports Bill

Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) has ignited a firestorm of controversy following her demonstrative "thumbs down" vote against the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act. The act, aimed at preventing transgender individuals from participating in women’s and girls’ sports, failed to pass the Senate, with Warren’s emphatic rejection drawing sharp criticism from women’s rights activists and political commentators alike.

The incident unfolded on Monday night as Warren cast her vote on the bill. Witnesses described an exaggerated thumbs-down gesture, held for an extended period, prompting the clerk tallying the votes to acknowledge, "I got you," to assure the senator her vote had been recorded. Footage of the gesture quickly circulated on social media, triggering a wave of backlash, particularly from those advocating for the protection of women’s sports.

Marshi Smith, co-founder of the Independent Council on Women’s Sports, expressed her dismay on X, stating, "Hard to believe someone could hate little girls who just want a spot on the girls’ team and the girls’ podium this much." Kellie-Jay Keen, a U.K.-based feminist YouTuber, questioned the continued support for Warren, writing, "Why would any woman in the USA continue to support these woman hating a–holes?"

Feminist author Kara Dansky, a Democrat, shared a lengthy response on X, including a note she had sent to Warren ahead of the 2020 election. Dansky argued that the Democratic Party’s alignment of "transgender" and "queer" with gay rights was problematic, citing concerns for women and girls and predicting potential electoral consequences.

Warren’s office has been contacted by Fox News Digital for comment on the matter.

This incident highlights Warren’s consistent support for transgender inclusion in women’s and girls’ sports. In February 2020, she criticized Arizona’s Save Women’s Sports Act, which sought to restrict biological males from competing in girls’ sports. Warren tweeted, "Trans athletes are not a threat. We need to protect trans kids – and all LGBTQ+ kids – and ensure they feel safe and welcomed at school. I urge the Arizona legislature to reject this cruel bill."

The Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act required 60 votes for passage but fell short with a 51-45 vote. All Republicans supported the bill, while no Democrats broke ranks. Two Democrats and two Republicans were absent from the vote.

The broader debate surrounding transgender athletes in sports has become increasingly contentious. During a recent interview on CNN’s "The Arena with Kasie Hunt," Warren addressed the question of whether the Democratic Party had moved too far to the left culturally, contributing to their loss to President Donald Trump in November. Warren maintained that the party’s failure to clearly articulate and fight for its values was the primary issue. "I think the problem is we didn’t make clear what we fight for and really get out there and fight for it. Our job right now is pretty straightforward. Just tell the truth," she said.

However, data suggests that the issue of transgender athletes is a significant concern for many voters. A national exit poll conducted by the Concerned Women for America legislative action committee revealed that 70% of moderate voters considered Trump’s opposition to transgender individuals participating in women’s sports and using women’s bathrooms as an important issue. Furthermore, 6% deemed it the most important issue, while 44% rated it as "very important." A New York Times/Ipsos poll indicated that a majority of Americans, including 67% of Democrats, oppose allowing trans athletes to compete in women’s sports. A Gallup poll also showed a 45% plurality of Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents favoring a more moderate stance for the party, marking an 11-point increase since the beginning of President Joe Biden’s term in 2021.

The Democratic Party has faced challenges since Trump’s election. A Quinnipiac University survey conducted during Trump’s first week in office found that only 31% of respondents held a favorable view of the party.

With the failure of the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act, activists like Riley Gaines have pledged to challenge the senators who opposed the bill in future elections. Warren’s visible rejection of the bill has amplified the debate over transgender inclusion in sports and its potential impact on women’s rights and fairness in competition. It remains to be seen how this issue will continue to shape the political landscape and influence future elections. The controversy surrounding Warren’s actions underscores the deep divisions within the country regarding gender identity, sports, and the role of government in regulating these complex issues.