ST. PAUL – Minnesota House Republicans on Monday brought forward a bill they say supports safe and fair competition for girls in school-sanctioned athletics.
House Democrats blocked it, which House Speaker Rep. Lisa Demuth, R-Cold Spring, said leaves the door open for biological males to participate in girls sports.
The bill is called the Preserving Girls Sports Act (H.F. 12). By voting it down, Demuth said House Democrats undermined safety and fairness for female athletes, while also contradicting vast popular sentiment; polls show around 80 percent of people agree with the bill’s position.
“Girls deserve an opportunity to participate in safe and fair athletic competitions and that’s what this bill is all about,” Demuth said. “Parents across Minnesota want their daughters to compete in a safe and fair environment. This bill upholds family values rather than catering to extreme activist agendas.”
The Preserving Girls Sports Act specifically states that only female students may participate in school sports restricted on the basis of sex to women or girls. If there is a dispute, a student must present a signed physician’s statement indicating the student’s sex is based solely on the student’s internal and external anatomy, natural occurring level of testosterone, and an analysis of the student’s chromosomes.
Minnesota State High School League record books find significant differences between top scores in the boys and girls divisions. For example, the boys record holder for long jump is roughly 5 feet longer than the girls record holder; there’s a 7-second difference in the 400-meter dash; more than an 11-foot difference in the shot put, and a 32-second difference in the swimming 500-yard freestyle.
Furthermore, Demuth said a simple internet search shows produces numerous articles indicating girls are being physically injured while participating with biological males in female athletics – from concussions to having teeth knocked out. In addition, a study conducted by the United Nations found that female athletes have lost nearly 900 medals worldwide to transgender men that are competing in their events.
“Differences in size, muscle mass, and bone density create serious safety concerns, especially in contact sports,” Demuth said. “We should not be sending girls into unsafe competition, where risks are known.”
The floor vote came just hours after a Preserving Girls Sports Act rally took place at the Capitol. Riley Gaines, a 12-time NCAA All-American swimmer and girls sports advocate, attended the event.
House Republicans tabled the bill after Democrats voted against it, saving the legislation from defeat and keeping it available for future reconsideration.
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