Former college swimmer-turned-activist Riley Gaines accused Rep. Summer Lee as a “misogynist” after Pennsylvania Democrats derided the NCAA All-American’s testimony as “transphobic” and called for it to be stricken from the record during a fiery congressional hearing on Tuesday.
Lee, a member of the so-called “Squad” of left-leaning lawmakers, accused Gaines and other witnesses on the panel of being “transphobic” in his opening remarks while arguing in favor of the Biden administration’s rule changes to Title IX that would have banned transgender students from participating on teams that consistent with their gender identity.
“It is disappointing to me that even though the title of this hearing suggests a much-needed discussion, we may be forced to listen to transphobic bigotry,” the first-year House lawmaker said during the House Oversight Subcommittee on Health Care and Finance. Hearing services. “Because actually protecting female athletes and Title IX is important. Participating in sports has so many benefits for our young people.
Riley Gaines accused Rep. Summer Lee as a “misogynist” on Tuesday. Getty Images
“Madam Chairperson, I ask that as we listen to this hearing and the hateful misinformation that I am sure will come, let us not forget the children who are at the heart of this issue,” added Lee.
Gaines, who competed with transgender swimmer Lia Thomas and has since been a vocal advocate for reserving women’s sports for biological women, took issue with Lee’s characterization of her testimony.
“Of course, there is a place for everyone, regardless of gender identity, regardless of sexual orientation, regardless of race or what sport you play. There is a place for everyone to play sports in this country,” Gaines said.
“But unsafe, unfair and discriminatory practices against women must stop. Inclusion cannot come before safety and justice, and members of Lee’s position, if my testimony makes me transphobic then I believe your opening monologue makes you a misogynist.”
Gaines took issue with Lee’s (right) characterization of his testimony. ZUMAPRESS.com
Just moments after the next witness’ testimony, Lee interrupted, demanding that Chairman Lisa McClain (R-Mich.) strike Gaines’ statement from the record.
After a brief discussion, Lee’s instruction was withdrawn and the hearing resumed.
The congressman took X after the hearing to slam the GOP-organized forum.
“I hope the first [oversight] hearing me presiding will hold big oil, big pharma or banks accountable for preying on hard working families,” Lee tweeted. “Instead, it’s another hearing of Republican extremists attacking trans kids. What a cruel, unserious party.”
Gaines, who went on to argue that allowing biologically male athletes to take spots on women’s teams is “sex discrimination” and “a violation of Title IX, regardless of what the new rules might say,” won praise for her testimony from conservatives, including Florida Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis.
Gaines’ testimony drew praise from hopeful Ron DeSantis in 2024. Getty Images
“The Biden administration’s rewrite of Title IX is a direct attack on women’s rights. [Gaines] have more courage than most of our elected officials, who let men compete in women’s sports and encroach on women-only spaces instead of resisting pressure from left-wing activists,” the 2024 White House hopeful said in a post on X.
Gaines endorsed DeSantis’ presidential bid in June.
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Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
