Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) recently delivered a passionate address on the House floor, where she challenged the assertion that there are “two genders.” AOC utilized her time at the podium to voice her opposition to The Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act during a two-minute speech. The legislation passed with unanimous support from all 216 House Republicans and dissent from all but two Democrats, and it is now set to proceed to the Senate.
In her remarks, AOC criticized Republicans for their votes against the “Violence Against Women Act,” making what appeared to be an inaccurate claim regarding alleged restrictions on abortion. The progressive member of the “Squad” asserted that women across the nation were facing life-threatening situations due to GOP opposition to abortion rights. However, it is important to note that abortion remains legally protected in 21 states, a position that former President Trump has stated he will not challenge.
“Republicans who have consistently opposed the Violence Against Women Act, who have stripped away the rights of women to make choices about their own bodies, who stand by as women suffer in parking lots across the nation, now wish to feign concern for women!” AOC declared emphatically.
The New York Democrat further alleged that the legislation would require young girls to undergo “genital examinations” as part of an alleged assault on “trans girls.” She elaborated in her speech, “And why? To introduce gender, and indeed, genital examinations into the lives of little girls in this country, all under the guise of targeting trans girls!”
The current consensus indicates that there is no provision within this legislation that explicitly permits genital examinations. However, it is important to note that the bill lacks an enforcement mechanism. In the absence of such a mechanism, it effectively paves the way for various forms of enforcement. Ocasio-Cortez reiterated her stance on this matter.
Additionally, she expressed her concerns regarding a specific aspect of the bill that stipulates Title IX regulations should not endorse athletic programs or activities designed for biological females if they include participation from the male sex. The bill defines sex based on the reproductive organs and genetic characteristics observed at birth. Ocasio-Cortez asserted, “Trans girls are girls!”
She further remarked, “To those who are genuinely concerned, I appreciate your newfound interest in women’s issues. I am uncertain about your experiences, but I can attest that I have participated in co-ed sports frequently, regardless of the belief in a binary gender system.” She then transitioned to another topic.
Ocasio-Cortez elaborated, “This legislation also creates an environment where women may feel pressured to conform to a specific standard of femininity to appeal to the very men who are drafting this bill. It raises questions about the definition of womanhood based on our appearance, presentation, and personal choices regarding our bodies.” She characterized the bill as being favored by individuals with bigoted views and those who perpetrate violence.
In her concluding remarks on the House floor, she made an unverified claim suggesting that corporate leaders also support the bill, linking it to the ongoing wildfires in California. “Individuals with bigoted views support this bill. Those who commit assaults support this bill,
and it appears that CEOs are in favor of it as well. With Los Angeles currently facing wildfires, this seems to be the top priority for the majority,” she stated before departing from the podium.
