The Pennsylvania Senate passed Senate Bill 9, known as the Save Women’s Sports Act, this past Tuesday. This marks an important victory, recognizing fundamental biological realities and reaffirming the fairness principles of Title IX. This landmark legislation underscores the undeniable truth: there are biological differences between males and females that significantly impact athletic competition and must be acknowledged.
On May 6, 2025, in a notable bipartisan vote, the Pennsylvania Senate approved SB9 with unanimous support from Senate Republicans and key support from five Democratic Senators—Lisa Boscola (Lehigh/Northampton), Marty Flynn (Luzerne/Lackawanna), James Malone (Lancaster), Nick Miller (Lehigh/Northampton), and Christine Tartaglione (Philadelphia). This strong bipartisan backing sends a clear and resounding message across the Commonwealth that protecting the integrity of women’s sports transcends political boundaries.
Senator Judy Ward (R-Blair), one of the bill’s prime sponsors, emphasized, “We cannot allow the opportunities that Title IX enshrined for women to be lost. With our passage of the Save Women’s Sports Act today, my Senate colleagues and I showed that they will defend women and their right to safe and fair competition.”
Senator Kristin Phillips-Hill (R-York) echoed these sentiments, highlighting the need to safeguard opportunities for future generations of female athletes. “This is about standing up for the next generation of female athletes across Pennsylvania. They deserve a level playing field and the chance to compete, earn scholarships and succeed based on their hard work, not be sidelined by unfair rules. Today’s vote sends a clear message: we will protect the integrity of women’s sports.”
At its heart, SB9 reaffirms the original intent of Title IX by ensuring that athletic teams designated for women are reserved exclusively for biological females in Pennsylvania’s K-12 and collegiate sports. This measure seeks to protect competitive fairness, athletic opportunities, and safety for female athletes throughout the state.
Thomas Shaheen, Vice President for Policy at the Pennsylvania Family Council, praised the courageous leadership behind the bill, particularly highlighting the pivotal role played by female Republican Senators. “I congratulate and thank all the Republican women in the Senate who courageously led the effort to pass the Save Women’s Sports Act,” Shaheen stated. “With bipartisan support from every Senate Republican and five Democrat senators, it’s clear that protecting fairness and opportunity in women’s sports is strongly supported by parents and voters across party lines. We now call upon both Republicans and Democrats in the House to step up, do the right thing, and enact this vital legislation to safeguard female athletes throughout Pennsylvania.”
Polling data further underscores widespread public support for these measures. According to polling by Parents Defending Education, 78% of parents oppose biological males competing on girls’ sports teams. This strong opposition cuts across party lines with 86% of Republicans, 80% of independents, and even 60% of Democrats expressing concern. Furthermore, opposition spans all demographic groups with significant agreement from white (75%), black (82%), Asian (88%), and Hispanic (83%) parents.
Josue Sierra, Director of Communications at PA Family Council, highlighted the urgency and reality of the issue, saying, “Despite opponents’ repeated assertions, the problem is real, measurable, and happening right now in Pennsylvania. The UN reports that over 600 female athletes have lost nearly 900 medals to male competitors across 29 sports. Here in Pennsylvania alone, girls have lost placements in dozens of events—track, swimming, fencing, and more—since 2020. On September 1, 2022, Payton McNabb was knocked unconscious and left with lasting injuries after being spiked in the head by a male athlete in a girls’ volleyball match. Opponents have persistently avoided debating this issue on its merits, resorting instead to smear tactics rather than addressing legitimate parental concerns.”
Other bill sponsors expressed similar convictions. Senator Lisa Baker (R-Luzerne) explained, “This bill establishes as state policy the principles of fair play, respecting the rules of the game, eliminating any unfair physical advantages and ensuring a safer playing field for women and girls in sports.”
Senator Michele Brooks (R-Crawford) passionately argued for protecting young athletes’ opportunities, “It is our responsibility to ensure that young women and girls have access to fair competition and equal opportunities. This is not just a matter of safety – it’s about preserving the integrity of female athletics and ensuring biological females have the chance to earn scholarships, win championships, and pursue their dreams at the highest levels, including the Olympics.”
The successful passage of SB9 in the Senate is a victory for common sense, fairness, and equality. Now, attention turns to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, where lawmakers are urged to continue listening to the strong voice of parents and voters across the Commonwealth. It is time for the House to demonstrate the same courage and bipartisan spirit as the Senate, by voting to protect the integrity, safety, and fairness of women’s sports for generations to come.
Livestream Recording of PA Senate Debate on SB9:
