Outcry Over Ejections at Portland Soccer Match

The Department of Justice has initiated a review concerning the ejection of ‘Save Women’s Sports’ activists during a Portland soccer match. This review will investigate potential First Amendment violations.

Amy Sousa, an outspoken advocate for women’s sports, recently joined Harris Faulkner to address this incident and its ensuing backlash. Approximately 20 members of the ‘Save Women’s Sports’ movement, wearing XX-XY Athletics shirts, were expelled from a Portland Thorns game after facing verbal and physical hostility from other fans. These activists were advocating for female-only sports.

In conversation with OutKick, Sousa stated that she and others filed police reports following their removal from the stadium. Sousa appeared on “The Faulkner Focus” and described being bombarded with food, beer, and other items.

Save Women’s Sports activists found themselves encircled by an irate group of trans supporters. This occurred after they displayed a large “Save Women’s Sports” banner and wore XX-XY shirts at the Friday match.

This is political theater. We went to convey a straightforward message, ‘Save women’s sports.’ Ironically, we were ousted from a women’s sports event for supporting the very category that makes such events possible, Sousa highlighted on Tuesday.

Sousa emphasized their intent to highlight broader concerns beyond the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). These concerns affect young girls at schools across different levels.

Sousa recounted being informed by security that their attire violated no policies. However, she believes they were removed due to security’s inability to shield them from harassment.

Sousa expressed confusion about why her group faced ejection while the alleged perpetrators did not.

In a related event, female athletes gathered at a rally in Vancouver, Washington. This rally focused on Protecting Fairness in Girls’ Sports, with notable figures like Frances Staudt and Bailey Andersen attending.

The director of Security, Jim McCausland, declined comment when contacted by OutKick. Furthermore, the Thorns’ communication department has not responded to inquiries about the expulsions and the lack of action against the alleged harassers.

OutKick journalist Matt Calkins was present during the incident, facing similar hostility. Aggressors targeted him, resulting in verbal and physical attacks.

Security stripped Calkins of his credentials mid-interview with Sousa, returning them shortly afterward without explanation.

This isn’t the first instance of such ejections. A smaller group of XX-XY supporters faced removal earlier this year, where Sousa faced allegations of transphobia for supporting women’s sports.

Sousa remains steadfast in her mission. She asserts the importance of safeguarding Title IX’s promise—promoting fair competition and ensuring safety in sports based on sex.

Recently, young female athletes in Camas, Washington, walked off a field to protest a male competitor. Sousa and her team stand firmly with these girls, emphasizing that adults must champion their cause.

Sousa clarified that their campaign focuses purely on maintaining the integrity of girls’ sports rather than debating identity or trends.