Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis held a press conference on Tuesday to announce the signing of a bill that would bar transgender athletes from competing in girl’s and women’s sports.
“We believe, in the state of Florida, in protecting the fairness and integrity of women’s athletics,” Gov. DeSantis said at the conference.
Florida’s controversial measure is part of a wave of anti-trans legislation sweeping the country. According to the Human Rights Campaign, 2021 has been a recording-breaking year for anti-trans bills, with over 80 being introduced in house legislatures across the United States.
The HRC announced on Twitter that it would be filing a lawsuit to counter the ban.
BREAKING: On the first day of #Pride, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has signed into law a bill banning trans kids in the state from playing sports.We will be filing a lawsuit to block this arbitrary, discriminatory ban. #LetKidsPlay— Human Rights Campaign (@HRC) June 1, 2021
BREAKING: On the first day of #Pride, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has signed into law a bill banning trans kids in the state from playing sports.We will be filing a lawsuit to block this arbitrary, discriminatory ban. #LetKidsPlay
Notably, DeSantis’ bill signing falls on the first day of Pride Month.