Harrisburg – The Senate approved legislation that protects the integrity of women’s sports, Senator Doug Mastriano (R-33) announced today.
The Fairness in Women’s Sports Act states that school athletic teams designated for women should not be open to those of the male sex. The bill defines “sex” as the biological distinction between male and female, based on reproductive biology and genetic make-up.
The bill was introduced earlier this year after concerns grew about preserving the increased athletic opportunities female students have gained over the past half century in this country.
Earlier Tuesday, advocates for women’s sports rallied in the Capitol with lawmakers and others to encourage passage of Senate Bill 1191 and companion legislation, House Bill 972. June 23 will mark the 50th anniversary of enactment of Title IX, which guaranteed girls and women equal access to scholastic sports.
Mastriano provided remarks on the Senate floor in support of SB 1191.
“Facts are stubborn things; and whatever may be our wishes, our inclinations, or the dictates of our passion, they cannot alter the state of facts and evidence,” said Mastriano. “While it may be inconvenient to acknowledge, it is a FACT that biological men have a clear unfair advantage over women in athletic competition. The Journal of Medical Ethics recently published a study concluding that transgender athletes born male have an “intolerable,” or overwhelming, advantage over biological women in athletic competition. These biological facts are indisputable and the discrepancies between the two sexes has been very apparent in athletic completion. In our own state, we have a Penn swimmer who went from 467th competing against males to first place when competing against females in the 500-yard freestyle NCAA Championships. SB 1191 will prohibit male students from participating in athletic teams or sports that are designed for women or girls.”
The bill will now advance to the House of Representatives for consideration.
Media Contact: Josh Herman