Both sides of the debate over a policy adopted on Thursday by the Minnesota State High School League which allows transgender youth to participate in high school sports.

Rep. Keith Ellison, a Democrat representing Minneapolis in Congress, released a statement:

I applaud the Minnesota High School League’s decision to pass a proposal that tells trans students in our community their identities matter just as much as everyone else’s. At a time when so many transgender students are bullied and harassed in the schoolyard, the MSHSL’s decision recognizes their dignity and humanity on and off the playing field. All trans students are asking for is to be treated as human beings and I stand with them. Too often when trans kids speak out, they’re told that they’re sick, or joking, or just plain wrong. Many of the people who opposed the MSHSL’s policy suggested that trans students might threaten other students’ safety. These depictions are bigoted and do not protect our students. Minnesotans believe every person should be safe in our community. Our state is big enough for all of us to honestly express ourselves.

OutFront Minnesota reacted to the passage of the policy:

Policy passes! #mshsl #LetThemPlay

— OutFront Minnesota (@outfrontmn) December 4, 2014

Minneapolis Mayor Betsy Hodges praised the MSHSL vote:

Thank you, #mshsl. You #letthemplay and I am proud and grateful. #waytogo

— Betsy Hodges (@BetsyHodges) December 4, 2014

Actress Laverne Cox praised the vote:

Gov. Mark Dayton was asked about the policy at a press conference on Thursday. He called the opposition “hate-mongering”:

I think some of the hate-mongering that was going on was despicable. The idea that Clay Matthews is going to change gender status to go tromple [sic] young girls on a basketball court, I mean, it’s just so … it’s ludicrous but it’s not funny because it’s so hurtful… There are kids out there that are struggling with their identities and parents who are struggling with those challenges and I think anyone who would think they would wish this on themselves or their kids is just absolutely … the embellishment it would take for that far-fetched, absurd, not even hypothetical possibility and turn that into an attack on trying to help some kids who need a chance to be like every other kid in terms of their school activities…I just can’t comprehend how some people in this state want to spend their time on something that’s not obstructive to other people’s lives and misstate it in such a way that is hurtful.

The opposition was devastated by the vote.

John Helmberger, CEO for Minnesota Family Council, said in a statement: “Today, the very entity that we’ve entrusted with protecting a safe and fair playing field for our kids has betrayed the trust we’ve placed in them as grandparents, parents, student athletes, and schools. Nothing about the policy they’ve passed is safe or fair for our student athletes, or our schools. The Board has disenfranchised thousands of Minnesotans and their schools who asked that their valid, enforceable, and fair alternative measure be considered by this Board, and placed the effects of dealing with this policy onto the backs of our local schools.”

Autumn Leva, Dir. of Policy and Communications for Minnesota Family Council also stated: “At the October board meeting when this policy was tabled, many board members expressed significant concern over the lack of a chance for the schools to review and weigh in on language for this policy that was brand new. Where we sit today is no different. How can your schools have had a real chance to review this language and weigh in fairly on a controversial policy that will absolutely affect them when the language continues to change, with the latest two versions of this policy just being presented within the last 24 hours?”

Renee Doyle, board member for the Minnesota Child Protection League, the main group opposing the policy tweeted:

The MSHSL Board was drunk with the attention they received from DC as they were walked through implementing a MN trans athletic policy.

— RTDoyle (@radtulabone) December 4, 2014

CPL Action tweeted:

Approves policy. #MSHSL. Lots of false narratives here. Bd members taking dangerous turn. Boys are girls, girls are boys.

— CPL Action (@CPLAction) December 4, 2014

Karen Effrem, head of Education Liberty Watch which launched CPL last year, tweeted:

So very sorry! Thank you @CPLAction for all of your tremendous work working & educating the public. This is a very sad day for innocence.

— Karen Effrem (@libertydocKaren) December 4, 2014