Franklin Graham Criticizes Democrats Over Support for Trans Athletes in Women’s Sports
Franklin Graham, a prominent evangelical leader, has recently criticized Democratic lawmakers for supporting policies that allow transgender athletes assigned male at birth to compete in women’s sports. Graham’s comments came after 130 Democratic lawmakers, including nine senators, filed a legal brief supporting transgender athletes in two pivotal U.S. Supreme Court cases. These cases challenge laws in Idaho and West Virginia that prohibit transgender women from participating in female sports teams.
In a social media post, Graham expressed his disapproval, calling the situation “sick” and “perverted.” He accused Democratic lawmakers of “selling their souls for power” and stated that their stance on allowing biological males in women’s sports and facilities, such as bathrooms and locker rooms, was deeply troubling. Graham clarified that his criticism was not rooted in partisan loyalty, as he does not align with either major political party, but he emphasized his concern over what he sees as a broader issue of fairness and safety in society.
Broader Context of the Debate
The debate over transgender athletes in women’s sports has been a contentious issue across the United States. Approximately two dozen states have implemented laws that restrict male-bodied athletes from participating in girls’ sports, citing concerns about fairness and competitive balance. Supporters of these laws argue that biological differences between men and women give male-bodied athletes an unfair advantage, even after hormone therapy or other medical interventions.
A 2024 United Nations report highlighted that over 600 female athletes have lost more than 890 medals across 29 sports to male competitors. This has fueled ongoing discussions about the implications of such policies on women’s sports and the need for clear regulations to ensure fairness.
The Trump administration previously introduced measures requiring schools to separate sports based on biological sex rather than gender identity. Additionally, the NCAA revised its policies in February 2025, prohibiting transgender women from competing in women’s sports categories. These decisions followed controversies like the case of Lia Thomas, a transgender swimmer who won a national championship in 2022 after competing on the men’s team for three years. This decision sparked widespread debate, and the University of Pennsylvania was later found in violation of Title IX for allowing Thomas to compete in the women’s division, leading to the revocation of her medals.
Legal and Social Implications
The Supreme Court is expected to hear the cases related to the Idaho and West Virginia laws in the coming weeks. Graham has urged his followers to pray that the justices “do the right thing” in their rulings. Meanwhile, the broader conversation about the inclusion of transgender athletes in women’s sports continues to polarize public opinion.
In Minnesota, a state Supreme Court ruling in October found that USA Powerlifting had discriminated against a transgender athlete by barring participation in the women’s division. The organization has pushed back, citing research that suggests biological males have a significant strength advantage, even after testosterone suppression therapy.
The debate over this issue underscores the complex intersection of gender identity, fairness in sports, and political ideologies. As the Supreme Court prepares to deliberate, the outcome is likely to have far-reaching consequences for the future of gender policies in sports.
Sources:
- Christian Post: Franklin Graham accuses Dem lawmakers of selling their souls
- Congress.gov: Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act of 2025
- Lindsey Graham Senate Statement on Sports Legislation