This petition's aim is truly an attempt to codify discrimination against transgender students who play sports. There is no public health justification for this regulatory action, the petition provides no evidence demonstrating that the presence of transgender women in athletics or designated female spaces constitutes a public health threat. The American Medical Association, American Academy of Pediatrics, and American Psychiatric Association have all recognized the critical importance of affirming environments for the mental and physical health of transgender individuals. 

The NCAA have adopted policies that balance inclusivity with fair competition, including hormone therapy requirements and transition timelines. These policies reflect the reality that sex and gender are complex and that a one-size-fits-all regulatory ban fails to account for biological, social, and psychological factors. A sweeping regulation banning trans athletes disregards both scientific evidence and the experiences of transgender people who have participated in sports without incident or unfair advantage.

The proposed amendments to 12VAC5 serve not to protect public health but to exclude and stigmatize a vulnerable population under the guise of concern.