State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne submitted a legal response today in defense of a lawsuit that is against transgender athletes playing on female teams. Horne says he believes biological boys should not be allowed to compete against girls. During a news conference to explain the filing, Horne and NCAA champion Marshi Smith presented a letter on behalf of 44 NCAA female athletes who backed the lawsuit. The letter states, “Women’s standings, titles, records and scholarships are suddenly at risk again.” This lawsuit follows a series of anti-transgender legislation in Arizona, which primarily address the Department of Education. Horne says he has sympathy for anyone who feels trapped in the wrong body, but he believes the unfairness of allowing transgender athletes to compete is undeniable.

###
Daisy Johnston