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Riley Gaines Urges AOC to Speak Out on Trans Inclusion in Women’s Sports
As the national debate surrounding trans inclusion in girls’ and women’s sports intensifies, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a Democrat from New York, remains notably silent on the topic. Influencer and athlete Riley Gaines has now publicly urged the congresswoman to reconsider her stance.
In an interview with Fox News Digital, Gaines remarked on Ocasio-Cortez’s influence: “I absolutely believe that AOC has a platform and a position of power. She could influence Democratic members to reconsider and return to a more rational stance regarding this issue.” She emphasized what she believes is a collective obligation for members of Congress to engage in this critical discussion.
According to Gaines, if Ocasio-Cortez publicly opposes trans inclusion in women’s sports, it may come across as insincere. However, she believes that such a shift could ultimately enhance the congresswoman’s political image. “While I don’t align with her on many other political matters, I would definitely commend her or any Democrat for taking a stand against trans inclusion,” she stated.
Gaines added, “Considering AOC’s potential aspirations for the presidency in 2028, distancing herself from trans inclusion in women’s sports might be a strategic move in light of the growing opposition against it.”
Ocasio-Cortez’s Recent Silence
The last time Ocasio-Cortez addressed the trans inclusion issue directly was during a House vote on the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act on January 14. In a passionate speech, she argued that the bill would empower child predators and reiterated her belief that trans girls are girls.
This statement earned her significant backlash, even from some within her own party, leading one Democrat to share with Fox News Digital that they were unregistering from the party as a result of her remarks.
In response to the controversy, former President Donald Trump enacted an executive order prohibiting trans athletes from competing in women’s sports. The National Collegiate Athletic Association, responding to Trump’s directive, altered its gender eligibility requirements accordingly. Conversely, several Democrat-led states have openly defied this order, facing federal scrutiny and potential funding cuts as a result.
This Monday, the Senate is set to vote on the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act, with Ocasio-Cortez remaining silent despite her prior advocacy for trans inclusion.
Missed Opportunities for Dialogue
During a recent virtual town hall hosted by Ocasio-Cortez, she did not address inquiries specifically concerning trans inclusion in sports, even after receiving a question on the matter from Fox News Digital. Moreover, her office has not responded to multiple requests for comment regarding this hot-button issue.
Ocasio-Cortez has referenced the broader context of Democratic support for trans rights in an interview on a podcast, where she suggested that distractions from culture wars surrounding transgender issues are detrimental. She advocated for a stance that secures the rights of transgender individuals without being mired in endless debates.
The Shifting Political Landscape
Gaines expressed her astonishment at the apparent shift among Ocasio-Cortez and other Democrats regarding trans inclusion in women’s sports. She commented, “We shouldn’t be shocked by AOC’s position now. Cancel culture is losing its hold, and it’s clear they’re trying to distance themselves from an issue they know is becoming increasingly unpopular among voters. The lack of conviction is telling. This entire issue has been disregarded as a farce from the beginning.”
It’s important to note that Ocasio-Cortez previously endorsed several pieces of legislation, including the Equality Act and the Transgender Bill of Rights, which affirm the rights of trans athletes to compete in women’s sports. She has also publicly criticized the Green Party for its stance against trans inclusion.
Previous Criticisms of the Biden Administration
Ocasio-Cortez has not shied away from criticizing President Biden either, believing the administration could do more to protect trans rights. When Biden proposed a modification to Title IX that would permit bans on trans athletes only under specific conditions, Ocasio-Cortez labeled it a disgrace.
Gaines pointed out that the climate regarding trans inclusion in women’s sports has dramatically shifted over the past year and may be a crucial issue heading into the elections. Recently released survey data from the New York Times and Ipsos indicates that a significant portion of the American population, including many Democrats, oppose allowing transgender athletes to compete in women’s sports.
Public Sentiment and Implications for 2024 Elections
The survey revealed that 79% of the 2,128 respondents do not believe that transgender women should be permitted to participate in women’s sports. Among Democrat voters, 67% shared this sentiment. Additionally, data from a national exit poll shows that 70% of moderate voters consider anti-trans policies in sports essential, with 44% categorizing it as very important.
As discussions surrounding trans inclusion in athletics continue, the complexion of political dialogue and voter priorities may reshape the landscape leading into the 2024 elections. Political figures like Ocasio-Cortez may find themselves navigating a treacherous path as public opinion increasingly shifts against them.
Final Thoughts on a Controversial Topic
As the debate around trans athletes in women’s sports evolves, the stances taken by prominent political figures will play a crucial role in shaping future policy decisions. Riley Gaines’s call for Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez to revisit her position may resonate strongly with constituents who are beginning to voice their opinions more openly. The implications of these conversations extend far beyond the realm of athletics, digging into the heart of civil rights, identity, and the politics of inclusion.
