Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D-Hawaii) is making moves to protect women and children as her tenure in Congress winds down, causing waves in her own party. A member of the House of Representatives for eight years, Gabbard chose to not seek reelection in November but is still determined to leave her mark among the Democratic Party.

Last Wednesday, Gabbard introduced H.R. 8923, a measure to ensure infants who survive abortion receive lifesaving medical care. And on Thursday, she introduced H.R. 8932—dubbed the “Protect Women’s Sports Act”—in an effort to “clarify, uphold and strengthen” Title IX by preventing biological males from competing in women’s sporting events.

While members of her own party have labeled Gabbard a “bigot” and a “traitor” for working across the aisle with her Republican colleagues, Gabbard refuses to participate in what she calls “identity politics.”

“Identity politics is having an incredibly destructive effect on our country rather than recognizing what connects all Americans,” she said, according to the New York Post. “It’s being done to help people and parties get in power and stay in power by pitting individual Americans against each other.”

Addressing the backlash she’s received about the “Protect Women’s Sports Act,” Gabbard said: “The real reason why so many people are upset by my Title IX legislation is that it recognizes the biological distinction between men and women.

“It’s the height of hypocrisy for someone who claims to be an advocate for women’s rights to also simultaneously deny the biological existence of women. How can someone claim to be a champion of women while denying our very existence?”

Franklin Graham agreed and commended Gabbard on her bold stance.

“Democratic Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard from Hawaii is getting attacked by the left for being bold enough to do the right thing,” he posted on Facebook. “She introduced a bill to protect babies who survive abortions and are born alive. How could any sane person be against that? And she also raised the ire of LGBTQ activists by trying to protect the rights of girls and women to compete in athletics without males who ‘identify’ as females being able to participate against them unfairly. This is impacting the lives and futures of tens of thousands of young women who just want a level playing field. They shouldn’t have to compete against boys and men—and Tulsi isn’t afraid to defend this basic women’s right. But the progressive left is shocked that anyone—especially a Democrat—would dare to come against them. … I believe there are millions of Democrats across the country who agree, and I hope they will stand with her and let her know. I’ve always liked Tulsi because she’s got guts!”

Above: Rep. Tulsi Gabbard speaks during a television interview at the United States Capitol in Washington D.C., on Jan. 9.

Photo: Stefani Reynolds/CNP/dpa picture alliance/Alamy Stock Photo