Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier threw down the gauntlet Tuesday, demanding U.S. Masters Swimming overhaul its gender participation policy or face legal action. The policy, updated last month, allows biological males to compete in women’s events and access women’s locker rooms based on gender identity, a move Uthmeier slammed as insufficient and out of step with Florida’s commitment to protecting women’s sports.

“This is a slap in the face to fairness,” Uthmeier declared at a press conference, emphasizing that the organization’s rules still permit trans women to compete in women’s categories, though they’re excluded from recognition programs like records or awards unless their birth sex aligns with the category. He argued this half-measure fails to uphold justice for female athletes, vowing to use every legal tool to ensure women’s spaces remain protected.

U.S. Masters Swimming, based in Florida, responded cautiously, stating it would address any direct inquiry while defending its policy as aligned with World Aquatics standards. The group’s interim rules allow participation based on gender identity but tie competitive recognition to sex assigned at birth, a compromise that’s sparked heated debate.

The controversy isn’t new. Earlier this year, a transgender swimmer’s five gold medals in a women’s category at a Texas event ignited outrage. Louisiana swimmer Wendy Enderle, blindsided by the revelation, filed for an eligibility review, feeling betrayed after years of competition. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton also launched an investigation, questioning whether U.S. Masters Swimming’s policies violate consumer protection laws.

Florida’s stance is clear: Uthmeier called the debate itself “insane,” doubling down on the state’s reputation as a firewall against policies it deems unjust. As the clash unfolds, the fight over fairness in sports continues to ripple nationwide.

Gender Policy News

Florida AG Vows Lawsuit Against U.S. Masters Swimming Over Gender Policy Clash