Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced an investigation Tuesday into USA Fencing, alleging the organization may have violated state consumer protection laws by disqualifying a female athlete who protested competing against a transgender opponent.

The investigation centers on the disqualification of Stephanie Turner, a fencer who took a knee during a March 30 regional tournament in Maryland to protest her match against Redmond Sullivan, a “transgender” athlete. Turner was issued a black card by the referee, resulting in her expulsion from the event. USA Fencing stated the disqualification aligned with International Fencing Federation rules, which prohibit athletes from refusing to compete against eligible opponents.

Paxton’s office claims USA Fencing’s actions may constitute “false, deceptive, or misleading practices” under the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act. The investigation will examine whether the organization’s policies and enforcement disproportionately harm female athletes, particularly in light of Texas laws aimed at protecting women’s sports.

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“USA Fencing’s policies are not only potentially illegal under Texas law, but also deeply offensive to the countless hours of dedicated training by young women like Ms. Turner,” Paxton said in a statement. “I will fight to ensure the integrity of women’s sports.”

During the tournament, Turner directly addressed Sullivan: “I’m refusing to fence you because I am a woman and you are a man. I have much love and respect for you, but I will not compete against you.”
Sullivan responded, “OK, but there is a member of the board of directors here, and he supports me. There’s a policy that says I am a woman and can compete here. If you do this, you will be black carded.”
Turner replied, “I know.”

The incident has reignited debates over “transgender” participation in sports. Texas has been at the forefront of such controversies, with Gov. Greg Abbott signing the Save Women’s Sports Act in 2023, which prohibits “transgender” women and girls from competing in collegiate athletics.

Paxton has also pursued investigations into school districts over “transgender” athlete policies, including a recent probe into the Dallas Independent School District, as previously reported by The Dallas Express.

USA Fencing’s 2023 “Transgender and Nonbinary Policy” allows athletes to compete in divisions matching their gender identity, a stance the organization says ensures inclusivity. The policy also requires “transgender” athletes in senior competitions to adhere to specific eligibility criteria, such as hormone treatment guidelines set by the International Fencing Federation.

Paxton’s investigation marks the latest in a series of legal actions targeting organizations and schools over “transgender athlete policies,” reflecting broader cultural and political tensions in Texas and beyond.