Former Minnesota Vikings and University of Minnesota football player Jack Brewer will join conservative activist Riley Gaines for a rally in Minnesota on Monday to advocate for a bill aimed at banning transgender athletes from participating in women’s sports. The “Preserving Girls’ Sports Act” was approved by the state’s House Education Policy Committee on February 20 and is set for a vote in the House of Representatives on Monday. If it passes, it will be sent to Governor Tim Walz, who is anticipated to veto it due to his strong support for transgender rights. Brewer, who founded the Jack Brewer Foundation, expressed his disapproval of Walz’s pro-transgender positions, particularly given Walz’s background as a high school football coach in the 1990s.
Brewer stated, “It’s absolutely disgusting, and when you see him and his mannerisms, you realize he doesn’t resonate with real men and boys who have fought on the field. I have nothing in common with him. I think he’s a disgrace to the football community.” In April 2023, Walz signed the “Trans Refuge” bill, which protects individuals seeking and providing gender-affirming care in Minnesota. The state is currently under investigation by the U.S. Department of Education for not complying with a recent executive order from former President Donald Trump that prohibits transgender athletes from competing in women’s sports.
Walz’s daughter, Hope Walz, gained attention for a series of TikTok videos defending transgender athletes and opposing Trump’s executive order. Brewer expressed a desire to discuss the issue with the governor, stating, “If he would invite me into his office for a conversation, I would respectfully accept. I believe deep down he knows it’s wrong and is trying to cater to a far-left liberal base for fundraising purposes, as these LGBTQ groups contribute significantly in Minnesota.”
Brewer does not anticipate that Walz will sign the bill if it reaches his desk, saying, “You know he’s not going to do it because that’s who he is. I hope for a change of heart, but if he signs it, it will likely be due to financial pressures.” Gaines also expressed skepticism about the bill’s chances, stating, “I’m fairly certain Gov. Walz would veto this bill. However, it’s crucial that we continue to advocate for this issue.
