USA Powerlifting Scrutinized by Congress for Banning Transgender Participation

Congress is now involved in USA Powerlifting’s decision to deny Jaycee Cooper from competing as a transgender athlete.

Uh Oh… things aren’t looking too great for USA Powerlifting after powerlifter Jaycee Cooper was denied the opportunity to join the organization due to being transgender. USAPL made it clear in a policy announced recently that USA Powerlifting is not for every athlete and they explained the following in regards to trans athlete participation…

“IPF Medical Committee, while respecting the rights of those who choose to transition, has been consistent in its opinion that use of testosterone and participation of male to female transgender athletes in our sport compromises fair play”.

Well, now they are under fire since Jaycee Cooper took the matter to Congress since this policy is discriminatory, illegal and there is no scientific evidence to prove any advantages in competition due to a male to female transition.

Here’s the letter representative Ilhan Omar addressed to USAPL regarding the unfair policy put into place by the organization…

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Thank you @repilhan for your support and for asking for this to be looked at. Proud to be called your constituent. No one deserves to be excluded because of who they are. @usapowerlifting , their policy, and how I’m being treated. IS NOT OKAY. The time for trans inclusion is NOW. #IStandWithTransLifters #HereOnPurpose #transathlete #transisbeautiful #usapl #usaplmn #lgbt #transgender #powerlifting #girlslikeus #fatventurers #powerliftingwomen #athlete #strengthsports #queersports #ngwsd

A post shared by JayCee Cooper (Lives) (@jayceeisalive) on Feb 5, 2019 at 9:20am PST

So, will USA Powerlifting lift the ban and allow trans athletes to compete? It will be interesting to see how this whole situation unfolds.