Minnesota Lawmaker Sparks Controversy Calling Sports Bill 'State-Sanctioned Genocide'

A heated debate erupted in Minnesota as state Rep. Alicia Kozlowski, a Democrat-Farmer-Labor Party member, referred to a bill seeking to restrict trans athletes from participating in girls' and women's sports as "state-sanctioned genocide." Kozlowski's remark during the Monday hearing for the Preserve Women’s Sports Act in the Minnesota House of Representatives quickly went viral, drawing sharp criticism.

"Members, make no mistake that this is just another version of state-sanctioned bullying and genocide," Kozlowski said, doubling down by adding, "And I don’t say that lightly." Her comments ignited a social media firestorm, with critics flooding her now-deactivated X account with backlash. One particularly biting comment urged her to "look up the word genocide and educate yourself before you use it lightly." Yikes.

The controversy comes as debates intensify nationwide over the inclusion of transgender athletes in sports. The proposed legislation, which narrowly failed to pass by a single vote, stipulated that only female students, defined biologically, could participate on school teams designated for girls. Advocates like state Rep. Peggy Scott argued the bill was essential for maintaining fairness and safety in women's sports, saying, "We cannot allow our girls to lose their spot, their podium, or risk injury against male competitors."

On the other side of the aisle, Kozlowski and other Democrats staunchly opposed the bill, championing trans inclusion. Former Minnesota Vikings player Jack Brewer also entered the fray, calling out Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and labeling his stance on the issue "disgusting." Brewer, a vocal supporter of the bill, minced no words, adding, "I think he’s a disgrace to the football world, to be honest." Ouch—shots fired from the gridiron.

Interestingly, Kozlowski isn't the first Democrat to face backlash over this polarizing topic. Just last week, Maine House Speaker Ryan Fecteau deactivated his X account after censuring a Republican colleague for speaking out against trans athletes in sports. The political stakes are clearly high, as federal entities like the Department of Education and the Department of Justice weigh in on enforcing Title IX protections.

For now, the debate rages on in Minnesota, with both sides digging in their heels. Supporters of the bill argue it’s about protecting fair competition and women’s spaces, while opponents see it as discriminatory and harmful to trans youth. As the cultural and political clash continues to unfold, one thing is clear: this conversation isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.