Melania Trump sided with author JK Rowling and husband Donald Trump on transgender women in sports, arguing that female athletes should be “protected and respected.”
The former first lady writes about the issue in her memoir Melania, which was published on Tuesday.
Rowling caused a huge controversy when she revealed her views on transgender, which were considered harmful to the trans community. Republicans have also turned the issue into a major political battleground.
Melania revealed that she disagreed with her husband on abortion rights, which she supports, but. on transgender issues, the couple is on the same page.
Melania Trump agrees with Donald Trump when it comes to transgender rights
‘Today, some groups try to impose their ideologies on everyone, increasing divisions in our society. An example is the ongoing debate over trans inclusion in sports, especially when male athletes who identify as women compete against women,” she wrote.
“Men’s bodies generally have physical advantages – muscle strength, height, bone density and lung capacity – that can influence fairness in competition, even at the high school level.
‘Some argue that the number of trans athletes is low, but even one can upset the balance in a women’s competition or tournament due to these physical advantages.
“High school athletes often spend years training in hopes of being recruited by colleges. Seeing the collapse of dreams is an unnecessary and avoidable consequence.
“This issue also has wider implications, including the loss of future earning potential as professional athletes and a potential setback for equal pay in sport,” she added.
However, the former first lady points to her longstanding support for LGBTQ rights.
“As many of you may know, I fully support the LGBTQIA+ community. But we must also ensure that our female athletes are protected and respected,” she wrote.
Donald Trump has mocked transgender people during his campaign and Republicans have used the issue to strengthen their conservative base.
Melania discusses the issue in her memoir, which focuses on her time as first lady, without addressing some of the more controversial moments, such as Stormy Daniel’s claim that she had an affair with Donald Trump.
The 256-page book is filled with stories from Melania’s childhood in Slovenia and photos from her private life, including her childhood in Europe and raising her son Barron in New York.
The former first lady has been the subject of many biographies and books, but this is the first time she has told her story.
She is selling two editions: a $150 collector’s edition with 256 full-color pages, with each copy signed by the author. The memoir edition will be 304 pages and available for $40, while signed copies will be available for $75.
Author JK Rowling caused controversy with her stance on transgender rights
Her book contains some shocking revelations, such as that she supports a woman’s right to choose when it comes to abortion – in contrast to her husband’s position on the issue.
The former first lady wrote that she has “carried this belief throughout her adult life.”
“It is imperative to ensure that women have autonomy in deciding their childbearing preferences, based on their own beliefs, free from any government intervention or pressure,” Melania wrote.
Melania’s memoir will be released on October 8
‘Why should anyone other than the woman herself have the power to determine what she does with her own body? A woman’s fundamental right to individual freedom over her own life gives her the power to terminate her pregnancy if she so chooses,” she continued.
“Restricting a woman’s right to choose whether to terminate an unwanted pregnancy is like denying her control over her own body,” she says. ‘I have carried this belief with me my entire adult life.’
The admission raises eyebrows, just a month before her husband enters a presidential election battle with Democratic candidate Kamala Harris, with the right to abortion set to become one of the most decisive issues among voters.