The debate over trans inclusion in girls’ and women’s sports has intensified recently, with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., remaining quiet on the issue. Conservative influencer Riley Gaines has invited Ocasio-Cortez to join the opposition side.
“I believe AOC, with her platform and influence, could influence Democratic members to reconsider their stance. Every member of congress has a responsibility,” Gaines told Fox News Digital.
Gaines believes that if Ocasio-Cortez were to speak against trans inclusion in girls’ and women’s sports, it would benefit her political reputation, even if it seems performative.
“While I may not agree with AOC on other issues, I would support her or any Democrat who speaks out against trans inclusion,” Gaines said.
Gaines also speculated that Ocasio-Cortez may distance herself from the issue as she eyes a potential presidential run in 2028.
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Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Riley Gaines (IMAGN)
Ocasio-Cortez last addressed the issue when the House of Representatives voted on the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act. In response, she gave a controversial speech claiming the bill would empower child predators and advocated for trans inclusion in girls’ and women’s sports.
The speech sparked backlash, leading some Democrats to unregister from the party.
Since then, President Donald Trump has issued an executive order banning trans inclusion in women’s and girls’ sports, and the NCAA has adjusted its gender eligibility rules accordingly. Some Democratic states have resisted Trump’s order, prompting federal investigations and potential funding cuts.
The Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act will be voted on in the Senate soon.
Despite previously advocating for trans inclusion, Ocasio-Cortez has remained silent on the issue in recent times.
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Ocasio-Cortez did not address the issue during a town hall on Feb. 21, despite Fox News Digital submitting a question about it. Her office has not responded to requests for comment on the issue.
Ocasio-Cortez did discuss Democratic support for the trans community in a podcast interview with Jon Stewart.
Gaines is not surprised by Ocasio-Cortez’s and other Democrats’ avoidance of the trans inclusion issue in girls’ sports.
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Ocasio-Cortez has previously supported bills enabling trans athletes to participate in women’s and girls’ sports nationwide. She criticized former President Joe Biden for not doing enough to support trans inclusion in sports.
Recent data suggests that the issue of trans inclusion in women’s and girls’ sports has become widely controversial and even influenced the 2024 election.
A recent New York Times/Ipsos survey shows that a majority of Americans, including Democrats, do not believe transgender athletes should compete in women’s sports.
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The survey results indicate widespread opposition to transgender athletes competing in women’s sports.
AÂ National exit poll reveals that the issue of transgender athletes playing in women’s sports was important to many voters, potentially impacting election outcomes.
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