Lake County Gazette

Martin McLaughlin, the state representative for Illinois House District 52, said he has concerns regarding the Illinois High School Association's (IHSA) policies on transgender athletes. He said that the IHSA is "exceeding its authority and failing to adequately protect female athletes." 

"Here we go again," said Martin J. Mclaughlin, State Representative from Illinois. "More Wokesplaining from the IHSA. Another pseudo gov agency overstepping their authority. Not protecting our girl and women athletes on the field and in the locker rooms in Illinois."

The IHSA is currently embroiled in controversy due to its decision to permit transgender athletes in girls' sports. This move contradicts a February 2025 executive order from President Donald Trump, which bans such participation. The IHSA argues that adhering to the federal directive would contravene the Illinois Human Rights Act, which safeguards gender identity. Republican lawmakers, including U.S. Representative Mary Miller, have criticized the IHSA and called for a federal investigation, arguing that the policy compromises fairness and safety. The IHSA maintains it is following state law and guidance from the Illinois Attorney General, placing it in a complex legal situation.

According to data from the 2022–23 academic year, Illinois reported 140,801 female participants in high school sports, ranking fourth nationally behind Texas, California, and New York. This number indicates a gradual recovery from declines during the COVID-19 pandemic but remains below the pre-pandemic peak of 145,090 female athletes in 2017–18.

The IHSA's policies regarding transgender athletes are consistent with Illinois state law, allowing students to participate in sports and access facilities aligned with their gender identity. This approach differs from policies in other states; for example, Iowa's handbook emphasizes safe access for all student-athletes but does not specifically address transgender students. The IHSA's compliance with state law puts it at odds with federal directives conflicting with Illinois' anti-discrimination statutes.

McLaughlin has been serving as a member of the Illinois House of Representatives since January 2021 and previously held office as Village President of Barrington Hills from 2013 to 2021. During his tenure there, he focused on reducing government spending and implementing fiscal reforms. McLaughlin has consistently advocated for policies he believes protect women's sports integrity and safety by expressing concerns over transgender athletes' participation in girls' sports competitions.