DeSantis Criticizes Transgender Swimmer and Courts Young Evangelicals at Liberty University

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis called transgender female swimmer Lia Thomas a "fraud" during a speech at Liberty University, questioning the legitimacy of her athletic feats. Thomas became the first transgender athlete to win an NCAA national championship in March 2021. DeSantis signed a proclamation declaring Emma Weyant, a Florida native and Olympic silver medalist, the true winner. Thomas' detractors argue that she enjoyed unfair biological advantages over her competitors. DeSantis also noted that Florida has banned puberty blockers and sex-change surgeries for minors.