Hawley Questions Witness on Swimmer Consent in Locker Room With Lia Thomas

Senator Josh Hawley, R-Mo., questioned a witness at a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing about fairness in women's sports, focusing on whether female swimmers at Yale University consented to sharing locker room facilities with transgender swimmer Lia Thomas. Thomas, who competed for the University of Pennsylvania, became a focal point in discussions regarding the inclusion of transgender athletes in collegiate sports.

Hawley referenced swimmer Riley Gaines, who had previously testified before the committee, recounting her experience of being in a locker room with Thomas. "Three years ago, Riley Gaines sat right where you’re sitting at a hearing in front of this committee, and she described for the committee what it was like to be forced to have a biological man in her locker room without her consent, forced to undress in front of him, forced to watch him undress in front of her, forced to then compete with her — against her — in a totally unfair situation," Hawley told Kim Jones, co-founder of the Independent Council on Women’s Sports.

Jones, whose daughter also competed in swimming at Yale, confirmed that her daughter participated in multiple competitions against Thomas during the 2021-2022 season. When asked if the female swimmers were consulted about their comfort level sharing a locker room with Thomas, Jones responded negatively. She also stated that the swimmers were required to attend mandatory meetings where they were informed that the inclusion of transgender athletes was a decision made by their schools and leagues. According to Jones, any discussion about the topic required pre-approval from coaches and athletic directors, and swimmers were instructed to manage their families' reactions, indicating significant pressure and threats.

Hawley described the situation as "incredible," adding that it was believable based on the experiences shared. The hearing addressed issues surrounding Title IX and its implications for women's sports in light of transgender participation.