Football legend Brett Favre has reiterated his support for legislation aimed at preventing transgender athletes from competing in women's sports. He shared a Fox News interview featuring Sage Steele and Riley Gaines, praising Senator Tommy Tuberville's Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act. Favre emphasized the inherent biological differences between men and women, stating, "There’s a clear biological difference between men and women." This bill seeks to uphold Title IX's definition of gender based on biological sex at birth, restricting federal funding for programs that allow biological males to participate in women's sports.
This isn't Favre's first public statement on this issue. In 2021, he criticized the inclusion of transgender weightlifter Laurel Hubbard in the Olympics, arguing that it created an uneven playing field. He expressed empathy for female athletes who might lose to a biological male, recalling his stance on his now-discontinued podcast. Favre also voiced opposition to transgender BMX rider Chelsea Wolfe's potential participation in the Olympics after allegations of flag-burning threats surfaced.
While Favre has collaborated with LGBTQ individuals, including former NFL player Esera Tuaolo, his actions at the 2015 ESPY Awards during Caitlyn Jenner's acceptance speech sparked controversy. His seemingly unenthusiastic applause was interpreted by some as anti-transgender sentiment.
Current public opinion largely aligns with Favre's viewpoint. Polls indicate a significant majority of Americans oppose transgender women competing in women's sports, a topic that gained prominence during recent election cycles. A Gallup poll revealed nearly 70% of Americans believe biological sex should determine sports participation, while a NORC study found similar opposition to transgender athletes competing based on gender identity. Exit polls also suggest this issue influenced voters' decisions in the 2024 election.
