Dauphin News

A group of female Republican senators has introduced the Save Women’s Sports Act, a bill aimed at preventing men from competing in women’s sports. The legislation, known as Senate Bill 9, was introduced by Senators Judy Ward, Kristin Phillips-Hill, Lisa Baker, Michele Brooks, Camera Bartolotta, Tracy Pennycuick, Rosemary Brown, Lynda Schlegel Culver, Dawn Keefer and President Pro Tempore Kim Ward. The bill seeks to ensure that school athletic teams designated for women are exclusively for biological females.

The proposed legislation aims to maintain separate sex-specific teams to protect athletic opportunities for women while upholding Title IX's intent. Title IX was established to eliminate discrimination and ensure equal access to sports for female athletes.

On February 5th, National Girls and Women in Sports Day, former President Donald Trump signed an executive order titled Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports. This action emphasizes fairness and equal opportunity in women's athletics.

“The executive order was absolutely a triumph for women and girls all over our great country,” said Bartolotta. She emphasized the need for permanency in Pennsylvania law since executive orders can be changed or eliminated with new administrations.

Judy Ward expressed concern about the erosion of Title IX protections due to men competing in women's sports. “The physiological advantages that men possess are clear and unquestionable,” she stated.

Phillips-Hill remarked on the importance of preserving the integrity of women's sports: “Women have fought too hard for a fair playing field to see that progress erased.”

Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward highlighted the significance of reintroducing the Save Women’s Sports Act: “As women athletes across our Commonwealth have broken glass ceilings... We stand alongside women athletes to fight for their right for fair competition.”

Instances were cited where male participation in women's sports led to loss of scholarships and opportunities. Notably mentioned was Lia Thomas's victory at the 2022 NCAA swimming championship.

Brooks commented on ensuring fair competition: “This is not just a matter of safety – it’s about preserving the integrity of female athletics.”

Baker noted that the bill establishes principles such as fair play and eliminating unfair advantages: “This legislation protects commonsense values.”

The press release also referenced injuries sustained by female athletes due to male participation in their sports. Examples included Payton McNabb's injury during a volleyball match in North Carolina and an incident during a high school field hockey match in Massachusetts.

Pennycuick stressed the importance of even playing fields: “Women competing in sports learn leadership skills... Let’s keep the playing field even for our girls.”

Brown added that every valid competition begins with fairness: “This legislation is about safeguarding that accuracy and fairness as it directly relates to women’s sports.”

Culver emphasized ensuring fair competition opportunities: “I believe it’s important to ensure that all athletes have the opportunity to compete fairly and safely.”

Keefer concluded by stating: "Allowing biological males in women’s sports undermines fairness."

The bill is currently under review by the Senate Education Committee before moving forward if passed.