Montana High School Association to Vote on Policy for Transgender Athletes

The Montana High School Association is considering a policy that would allow transgender student-athletes to compete on the team that matches their gender identity.

The proposed policy would enable Montana teens who were born male but identify as female to compete in girls' events and would allow those who were born female but identify as male to compete in boys' events.

MHSA Executive Director Mark Beckman says at least 33 other states have such policies in place.

Beckman tells The Billings Gazette (http://bit.ly/1y7q64P) that the association has never been notified of a request or disputes regarding transgender athletes in Montana schools.

MSHA schools will vote on the change during the organization's annual meeting on Jan. 19 in Kalispell. Approval requires a two-thirds vote.