Governors in North Dakota and Kansas have vetoed similar measures.
The bill’s sponsor, Republican Rep. John Fuller of Whitefish, has said that “allowing males to compete as women in female sports will result in women once again being shouldered aside to stand below the awards podium and forced to cheer the accomplishments of men.”
But a review by The Associated Press found that in almost every state where such measures were advanced this year, bill sponsors could not cite a single instance in their own state or region where the participation of transgender athletes in sports has caused problems.
This article was republished here with permission from The Associated Press, however it is no longer available to read on Snopes.com.
HELENA, Mont. (AP) Gov. Greg Gianforte signed a bill Friday banning transgender athletes from participating in school and university sports according to the gender with which they identify, making Montana the latest of several Republican-controlled states to approve such measures this year. Supporters of the bill have said it will ensure the playing field in girls’ sports remains fair. Opponents say it further harms already marginalized transgender youth. They have also raised concern over… Read at AP News
States like Montana, Oklahoma and Arkansas have pushed legislation eyeing to shield religious liberty, critics fear non-discrimination statutes will be under threat
States Move to Shore Up Religious Freedom in a Post-COVID World
Bills would prevent future lockdown orders from targeting worship Mass at empty cathedral, Los Angeles / Getty Images Graham Piro • May 4, 2021 3:50 pm
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Republican-controlled state legislatures are moving to protect the right to religious worship from future government-ordered lockdown measures that have sparked legal challenges since the start of the pandemic.
Montana, Oklahoma, and Arkansas are pushing legislation that would further protect religious liberty in the wake of shutdown orders mandating that places of worship close their doors entirely or operate under significantly curtailed conditions. The Montana Religious Freedom Restoration Act, signed into law by Republican governor Greg Gianforte, establishes that the government may not substantially burden a person s right to the exercise of religion. Oklahoma s law, signed by Republican governor Kevin Stitt, similarly makes restrictions on relig
The Montana Human Rights Network released a report about Turning Point USA in March 2020, saying the group was bringing a âMinor League version of White nationalismâ to the Treasure State.
The 21-page report notes that Turning Point founder Charlie Kirk is criticized by human rights supporters and media for âinflammatory, biased and exaggerated statements.â
âKirk and TPUSAâs provocative style have attracted curious students,â the report states. âHowever, once recruited, students are exposed to questionable ideas and tactics. Kirk has built his public persona by distorting data and spreading misinformation,â the Montana Human Rights Network (MHRN) stated.
The report notes that White nationalism is a social movement that espouses the United States was founded by and for people of White European heritage.