A transgender high school athlete addressed a New Hampshire state hearing about banning trans girls from competing.
A new bill in the state, known as SB 375, was being closely studied Monday by lawmakers, LGBTQ groups and educators before the state Education Committee.
It is one of two bills in the state that would ban transgender girls from competing on sports teams aligned with their gender identity.
Trans teenager Maelle Jacques, who was born a man and previously won the state women’s high jump championship, insisted she did not join women’s sports to win outright.
The 16-year-old did so despite defeating the competition during high jump tournaments, as critics insist that trans girls who have gone through male puberty retain considerable biological advantages over biological women.
Jacques said at the hearing: ‘I am here to testify against SB375. Throughout my entire life, sport has been an integral part of my belonging.
Trans teen Maelle Jacques, who was born male and previously won the state women’s high jump championship, said she didn’t join women’s sports to win outright.
In February, she won the women’s high jump at the New Hampshire Interscholastic Athletic Association Division 2 state indoor track and field championships.
His testimony continued: ‘I played soccer since I was three years old, when I began my transition in sixth grade my school welcomed me into the women’s team.
‘This act of being part of the team allowed me to skip the phase of social ostracism. The other girls accepted me as I was.
‘Being part of the team allowed me to be seen as normal, whereas everywhere else I could be perceived as an outcast.
‘I didn’t join the sport with the aim of dominating the competition or being better than anyone else.
‘No one would go through the bullying and self-hatred of transitioning simply to win a sport, especially women’s sports, which are underappreciated in our nation.
‘I joined because it is something I am passionate about and enjoy. “If I was banned from sports teams and locker rooms, joining men’s teams would not be an option for me.”
In February, she won the women’s high jump at the New Hampshire Interscholastic Athletic Association Division 2 state indoor track and field championships.
She finished in first place with a mark of 5’1′, an inch better than any of her female competitors, but well below the lowest high jump in the men’s division, which was 5’8′.
According to the Track & Field Results Reporting System, Jacques has competed in seven competitions this year, earning six first-place finishes in the high jump.
Following Monday’s testimony, the Education Committee voted against the bill 19-1 and “politely removed it.” Seen here is the New Hampshire State Senate.
According to the Track and Field Results Reporting SystemJacques has competed in seven competitions this year, taking six first places in the high jump.
Jacques is currently a freshman at Kearsarge Regional High School in Sutton, New Hampshire, and plays for their girls’ soccer team.
Former NCAA swimmer and high-profile advocate for the continued existence of women’s sports, Riley Gaines, had also previously posted on X about Jacques.
After the Independent Women’s Sports Council shared the news that Jacques had won the women’s state championship in February, Gaines said: ‘How could this child’s parents allow their son to rip off deserving women and take away opportunities?’ ?
‘And why don’t the girls’ parents stand up and say ‘no’ for their daughters? This country is full of failed and cowardly mothers and fathers.
Gaines tied with trans athlete Lia Thomas at the 2022 NCAA Championships and has been an outspoken critic of allowing biological men to compete against women.
Riley Gaines is sworn in during a House Health Care and Financial Services Oversight Subcommittee hearing on Capitol Hill on December 5, 2023 in Washington, DC
Gaines responded after discovering that Jacques had been ranked the best jumper in the division.
Lia Thomas and Gaines react after finishing tied for fifth in the 200 freestyle final at the NCAA Swimming and Diving Championships on March 18, 2022.
Following Monday’s testimony, the Education Committee voted against the bill by 19 votes to 1 and “politely removed it,” according to The Portsmouth Herald.
However, a similar bill, known as HB 1205, remains in effect after it passed the House in March, but has not yet been heard before the Senate.
SB 375 would apply at both the high school and college levels and has banned transgender women from entering female locker rooms and restrooms.
Earlier this month, SB 375 passed with all 14 Senate Republicans voting in favor and all ten Democrats voting against.
Tennis star Martina Navratilova, who is openly gay, also reacted negatively to the news that Jacques had won the high jump.
She posted on
Tennis star Martina Navratilova, who is openly gay, also reacted negatively to the news that Jacques won the high jump.
July 7, 1978, Wimbledon women’s tennis final, Navratilova receives the trophy from the Duchess of Kent after her victory.
‘It’s not me who competes. Most women and girls don’t want male bodies to compete against them. And this guy just grew long hair, without mitigation.
“Keep male bodies out of women’s sports – they are free to compete in the men’s category.”
Critics say that going through puberty as children gives many trans women considerable biological advantages that can make it impossible for women to overcome them.
There are also concerns that in contact sports like football, allowing trans women to play could cause more serious injuries.
The issue has divided the United States in recent years, with most Americans against transgender athletes competing against women.