AOC Criticizes Republicans,
U.S. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) sharply criticized 218 of her colleagues, accusing them of being “bigots” after the Republican-led House passed legislation banning male, “transgender-identifying” athletes from competing in women’s and girls’ sports at federally funded schools and institutions. Two Democrats, Reps. Henry Cuellar and Vicente Gonzalez of Texas, sided with Republicans in voting for the bill, while Rep. Don Davis of North Carolina voted “present.” The legislation now heads to the Republican-controlled Senate.
During the previous session of Congress, House Republicans approved a similar bill in a 219-203 vote split strictly along party lines. However, the Democrat-controlled Senate at the time did not consider the measure. This time, Republicans are optimistic about its chances, citing growing public support for bans on men competing in women’s sports and restrictions on gender reassignment surgeries for minors. According to Gallup’s 2023 “Values and Beliefs” poll, 69% of Americans supported a ban on men competing in women’s sports. Similarly, a survey conducted by NORC at the University of Chicago in the summer of 2023 found that 66% of respondents opposed allowing men and boys to compete in women’s and girls’ sports.
She concluded with a sharp critique of the bill’s supporters, saying, “I know who loves this bill: bigots love this bill. Assaulters love this bill.” Her remarks underscored her belief that the legislation promotes discrimination rather than fairness in women’s sports.
