DESMOINES, Iowa – Governor Kim Reynolds is reaffirming her call to ban transgender athletes from girls’ sports.
Reynolds called it a fairness issue Wednesday, and dismissed claims that a ban would send a hurtful message.
She appeared on a Fox News town hall last week, saying she hopes to sign a bill to ban the practice this year.
Wednesday Reynolds said she's been discussing the topic with Iowa legislators.
She said her proposal protects the rights of girls and does not send a message to the LGBTQ community that they're not accepted for who they are.
According to the Washington Post, thirty-four states this year are considering or have passed bills banning transgender girls from competing in girls’ sports.
A report from the New York Times says there's little scientific research on elite transgender athletes’ performance.
Governor Reynolds Wednesday did not say whether there was an instance in Iowa of a transgender person competing in girls’ sports.
The NCAA recently reiterated its support for transgender athletes to participate in college sports of their choosing.