Democratic Voters Leave Party Over AOC, Jeffries’ Anti-Trans Bill Narrative

Democratic representatives faced backlash after framing the GOP-led Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act as a law empowering sexual predators.

Despite no language in the bill supporting such claims, prominent Democrats like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Hakeem Jeffries argued the legislation would lead to genital inspections of young girls. Republicans clarified that proof of birth gender would only require a birth certificate.

These accusations alienated many loyal Democratic voters, some of whom have unregistered from the party in response. Gary Francione, a Rutgers law professor and lifelong Democrat, voted for Kamala Harris and Chrissy Houlahan in the last election.

However, after witnessing Democrats use the "sexual predator" argument during the bill’s hearings, Francione decided to leave the party, calling their tactics dishonest and offensive.

Francione noted that many Democrats in his professional and personal networks share his frustrations. He described the Democratic Party’s handling of the issue as lacking integrity, adding, "Insinuating opponents are pedophiles is a disgraceful way to fight battles."

Francione voiced concerns over the inclusion of transgender athletes in women’s sports, calling it discriminatory against girls and women who have trained hard only to lose opportunities to biological males.

Democrats opposing the bill, including Ocasio-Cortez and Jeffries, labeled it the "House GOP Child Predator Empowerment Act." However, their arguments largely dismissed the absence of enforcement mechanisms in the bill, leading to accusations of misrepresentation.

Ocasio-Cortez claimed that the lack of specific language could lead to invasive enforcement practices. She reiterated, "Trans girls are girls!"

A growing number of Democrats have expressed frustration with their party’s stance. A recent survey by the New York Times/Ipsos revealed that 79% of Americans, including 67% of Democrats, believe transgender athletes should not compete in women’s sports.

Many blame progressive narratives for alienating moderate voters and contributing to recent election losses.

Rep. Seth Moulton, who voted against the bill, previously warned that advocating for transgender inclusion had hurt Democrats in November. Despite backlash, Moulton maintained his opposition, citing concerns over potential invasions of privacy rather than support for transgender athletes.

Only two Democrats, Reps. Henry Cuellar and Vicente Gonzalez of Texas, supported the bill. Their decision reflects a growing divide within the party, as more voters align with the bill’s focus on fairness and safety in women’s sports.

Francione and other disillusioned Democrats argue that progressive policies have strayed from public sentiment. Many feel the party has prioritized divisive cultural battles over addressing voters’ core concerns. Francione criticized the “grievance Olympics” approach, saying, "Progressives have failed, and it doesn’t work."