COLUMBUS, Ohio (WTVN)--Two Republican State lawmakers have introduced a pair of bills meant to preserve the integrity of women's sports, by banning transgender women from competing in them.
House Bill 61 and Senate Bill 132 are being called the "Save Women's Sports" Acts, introduced by State Representative Jena Powell and State Senator Kristina Roegner.
The bill's supporters say transgender athletes have an unfair advantage over their competitors, while opponents say the measures are transphobic, and target an already vulnerable and small group.
Under current regulations, the Ohio High School Athletic Association allows transgender athletes to compete in girl's sports, if the athlete completes one year of hormone therapy, or can prove they do not have a competitive advantage over female athletes of the same age.