Women's Advocacy Groups Weigh In on Caitlin Clark's Stance on Trans Athletes

Caitlin Clark's recent comments regarding the WNBA's stance on demonstrations and the inclusion of transgender athletes in women's sports have prompted varied reactions from women's advocacy groups. Clark, a rookie for the Indiana Fever, stated that discussions about these issues are not held in the team's locker room and that it is up to governing bodies to find solutions.

"I think, for us, it's not really a discussion we really have in our locker room," Clark said. "I think it's for leagues and the governing bodies to work with their athletes to find solutions. Our focus is on basketball. That's what we talk about and how we can get wins."

Clark declined to answer a follow-up question, stating, "I just answered for you."

This response has led to internal debate among supporters of the "Save Women's Sports" movement, with some groups expressing disappointment and others defending Clark's position.

Advocacy Group Responses

The Independent Council on Women's Sports (ICONS) acknowledged the difficult position athletes can be placed in when sports leaders fail to implement clear policies. "Female athletes should never be forced to 'pick a side' to defend their right to the same opportunities afforded to men or be pressured to surrender that right in the middle of their careers," ICONS co-founder Marshi Smith told Fox News Digital. Smith added that institutional failures, not athletes, create division within teams.

Independent Women President Carrie Lukas stated, "Everyone should be able to make the point that a women's league should be for women. This shouldn't be hard." Lukas suggested that the WNBA leadership's response has been "embarrassing" and that it is a disservice to professional female players and aspiring young athletes.

Beth Parlato, senior legal counsel for the Independent Women’s Law Center, expressed that Clark "chose not to" stand up for women and girls. "This isn't a question that should be punted or treated as someone else's responsibility," Parlato said. She emphasized that protecting women's sports is essential for fairness, safety, and equal athletic opportunity.

Concerned Women for America CEO and President Penny Nance called athletes like WNBA player Sophie Cunningham, who has spoken in support of protecting women's sports, "exceptional and courageous." Nance urged the WNBA to adopt a policy ensuring only biological women can play in the league.

Tina Descovich, CEO and Co-Founder of Moms for Liberty, stated, "Women in the public eye have a responsibility to set an example for the young girls watching them, and that starts with standing up for the fundamentals of basic biology."

Former Olympic cyclist Inga Thompson also voiced her support for women-only categories in athletics, citing a 50-year struggle to protect Title IX and address the challenges posed by biological males competing in women's events. Thompson praised Cunningham's stance on fairness in girls' sports.