Attorney General Ken Paxton is launching an inquiry into USA Fencing, suspecting the sports organization of stepping afoul of Texas law. In turn, Paxton's office has let loose a Civil Investigative Demand (CID) to dig into whether USA Fencing has engaged in deceptive practices.
The focus of this investigation is the disqualification of fencer Stephanie Turner, who took a knee as a protest against competing with a transgender athlete. According to the Attorney General's office, this action led to her being barred from competition. Making the announcement, Paxton's office criticized the fencing governing body, saying in a statement, "USA Fencing is on the wrong side of history and potentially the wrong side of the law due to violations of Texas consumer protection laws."
The Attorney General's office categorizes the controversy as a violation of consumer protection, describing USA Fencing's actions as a significant disservice to female athletes who have dedicated themselves to the sport. "USA Fencing’s policies are not only potentially illegal, but also deeply insulting to the young women like Stephanie Turner who have sacrificed so much and dedicated countless hours to compete and succeed in competitions," Paxton's statement continued, emphasizing a commitment to uphold the integrity of women's sports.
This situation involves the broader discussions around the inclusion of transgender athletes in sports, a topic that has been addressed by Texas and other states through recent legislation. Paxton's statement reflects a focus on evaluating fairness in women's sports. The investigation will examine whether USA Fencing’s actions were consistent with Texas law regarding this matter.
