Allowing boys to compete against girls creates unfair athletic opportunities; New bill ensures an equal playing field for girls competing against girls.
A coalition of PA State Representatives, led by five women legislators as prime sponsors, announced today new legislation that would protect fairness in athletic competition and equal opportunities for girls and women by ensuring biological men compete in men’s sports.
“Girls competing in athletics across Pennsylvania need this legislation because they deserve a level playing field,” says Alexis Stefani, Communications and Policy Officer with the Pennsylvania Family Institute. “A male’s belief about his gender doesn’t erase his physical advantages over female athletes.”
Five PA State Representatives — Barb Gleim (R-Cumberland), Martina White (R-Philadelphia), Dawn Keefer (R-York/Cumberland), Stephanie Borowicz (R-Clinton/Centre), and Valerie Gaydos (R-Allegheny) — announced the introduction of the Fairness in Women’s Sports Act (House Bill 972), which would ensure that all female athletes in Pennsylvania would have a level playing field. For competition to remain fair, girls’ sports should only include girls, which this legislation would ensure.
“The opportunity for girls to compete on a level playing field must be protected,” wrote the Representatives in a co-sponsorship memo. “Title IX was designed to stop discrimination and create equal athletic opportunities for women…Having separate biologically-specific teams, which Title IX protects, furthers efforts to promote women’s equality.”
Pennsylvania school districts are being pressured by President Joe Biden to violate Title IX and force girls to compete against biological boys who identify with the opposite sex in girls’ sports. A majority of U.S. states have now introduced or passed state legislation that would ensure equal protections for women in athletics.
Many states are dealing with the consequences of allowing biological boys to compete against girls. In Connecticut, two male athletes took first and second place two years in a row in the 100-meter dash state championship. These two biological male athletes own 15 titles previously held by nine different girls. In just three years, over 85 chances to compete in elite athletic competitions were taken from girls statewide.
“Playing sports is such a great opportunity for students and one that should be available for all on a fair and equal playing field, which is exactly what this bill would protect,” added Stefani.
Take Action: Email your State Representative and State Senator to support the Fairness In Women’s Sports Act: Click here or go to pafamily.org/fairplay to contact.
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Pennsylvania Family Institute strengthens families by encouraging responsible citizenship and engagement in advancing the foundational values of life, marriage and family, and religious freedom.
