**Texas AG Ken Paxton Sues U.S. Masters Swimming Over Trans Athlete Participation**
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has initiated a lawsuit against U.S. Masters Swimming (USMS), a competitive swimming organization with over 60,000 adult members. The legal action stems from a recent event in San Antonio where a biological male transgender athlete won five gold medals in women’s categories. Several female competitors expressed to media outlets that they were unaware of the athlete’s biological status prior to the competition.
In a statement on social media, Paxton criticized USMS for permitting men to compete in women’s events, claiming the organization has succumbed to pressure from radical activists. “I’m suing U.S. Masters Swimming for engaging in illegal practices by allowing men to compete in women’s competitions,” he stated. “This lawsuit will hold USMS accountable for its actions.”
Paxton’s allegations include claims that USMS has engaged in “false, deceptive, and misleading practices” by allowing male athletes to participate in women’s events. The Texas Attorney General’s office has reached out to USMS for a response.
In June 2023, Texas enacted the Save Women’s Sports Act, which prohibits transgender athletes from competing in girls’ and women’s sports, stipulating that students may only compete in the gender category corresponding to their birth certificates. The law permits schools to recognize changes to birth certificates only if they correct clerical errors.
This lawsuit follows Paxton’s earlier investigation into USMS after the controversial April incident involving 47-year-old Ana Caldas, who dominated five races in the women’s age 45-49 category, including the 50- and 100-yard breaststroke and freestyle events.
Wendy Enderle, a Louisiana swimmer, expressed her feelings of betrayal after discovering Caldas’s transgender status through news coverage. She stated, “I feel betrayed. Plain and simple,” and noted that she had not realized Caldas was transgender until after the meet. Enderle described her initial impression of Caldas as a female athlete, despite noticing her muscular build and height.
Another swimmer, Angie Griffin, also competed against Caldas without knowledge of her birth gender. The revelation prompted Griffin to submit a formal complaint to USMS, urging the organization to reassess its gender eligibility policies following the Spring National Championship.
As the debate over transgender participation in sports continues, this lawsuit highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding gender identity and competitive athletics.
**FAQ**
**Q: What is the basis of Ken Paxton’s lawsuit against U.S. Masters Swimming?**
A: The lawsuit is based on allegations that USMS allowed a biological male transgender athlete to compete in women’s events, which Paxton claims violates Texas law and constitutes deceptive practices.