Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Voices Opposition to Transgender Athletes in Women’s Sports

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Opposes Transgender Athletes in Women’s Sports

Democratic presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has made a bold statement by opposing transgender athletes competing in women’s and girls’ sports. In an interview with CNN’s Michael Smerconish, Kennedy expressed his views on males competing against females in women’s sports. The 69-year-old son of former Sen. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced his presidential candidacy earlier in April.

“I would, I think that I am against people participating in women’s sports who are biologically male,” Kennedy said. “I think women have worked too hard to develop … women’s sports over the past 30 years. I watched it happen. And I don’t think that’s fair.”

With his comments, Kennedy is one of only a few Democratic officials or candidates who have publicly signaled opposition to transgender athletes from competing in women’s sports.

The issue of transgender athletes in women’s sports has become a national interest after Lia Thomas, born a male, became the NCAA Division I swimming champion. The issue was again thrust into the spotlight following the recent attack targeting Riley Gaines, a former Kentucky collegiate swimmer who had competed against Thomas.

Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act

The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act several days ago, effectively barring educational institutions that receive federal funding from allowing male athletes to compete in women’s sports. No Democrats backed the bill, but 10 refused to cast a vote.

However, President Joe Biden said that he would veto the bill if it reaches his desk, and it’s unlikely the Democrat-controlled Senate would pass the measure. A Biden administration proposal that was unveiled earlier this month would disallow colleges and schools from placing outright bans on transgender athletes. A number of state legislatures across the United States have passed such bans in recent months.

“The criteria also would have to minimize harm to students whose opportunity to participate on a male or female team consistent with their gender identity would be limited or denied,” the Department of Education said in its proposal this month.

Censored Interview?

Kennedy’s Democratic 2024 opponents include Biden, who announced his own presidential bid last week, and author Marianne Williamson. Both are considered long-shot candidates against Biden, although a recent poll showed that Kennedy has about 19 percent support and Williamson has about 9 percent support, respectively, against the president.

“I think our country’s heading in a bad direction, and that’s why I’m running,” Kennedy told CNN Saturday on why he’s challenging Biden, an incumbent president.

Days before, Kennedy accused ABC News of censoring his comments about vaccines during an interview that aired last week. ABC News journalist Linsey Davis stated before their interview that “RFK Jr. is one of the biggest voices pushing anti-vaccine rhetoric, regularly distributing misinformation and disinformation about vaccines.”

Why Kennedy’s Views Matter

It’s important to note that Kennedy’s views on transgender athletes in women’s sports are not widely shared among his fellow Democrats. However, his stance on this issue could potentially sway voters who share his views. As the debate over transgender athletes in women’s sports continues, it will be interesting to see how this issue plays out in the upcoming presidential election.

• Do you agree with Kennedy’s views on transgender athletes in women’s sports?
• Should males be allowed to compete in women’s sports if they identify as female?
• What do you think is the best way to address this issue?

Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!