Biology is on trial — and girls are paying the price
On an unseasonably bright January morning this Tuesday, large crowds rallied outside the U.S. Supreme Court as justices heard arguments in two landmark cases on men in women’s sports.
West Virginia v. B.P.J. and Little v. Hecox both concern the authority of states to enact legislation banning boys and men from competing in girls’ and women’s sports and invading their private spaces.
The cases brought together an eclectic, bipartisan group of moms, dads, grandparents, children, adolescents, athletes, and elected officials.
The rally featured high-profile speakers from many national organizations, including Alliance Defending Freedom — the group defending the cases — Independent Women and Defending Education, who submitted amicus briefs, and XX-XY Athletics, the only brand fully dedicated to protecting women’s sports and spaces.
Many rally participants were sporting XX-XY Athletic apparel.
Independent Women ambassador Riley Gaines kicked off the rally to the cheers of participants and spoke about her frustration that this fight is not over. Her message was echoed by high school and college athletes and former female competitors who fought for Title IX and those who benefitted from it. The most impactful speakers were girls and women who have been irreparably harmed as a result of boys and men competing in their sports and sharing their private spaces.
Buttons handed out at the rally, courtesy Independent Women
Pennsylvania
Currently, 29 states have passed legislation or created regulations that generally prohibit boys from competing in girls’ sports.
Pennsylvania is one of 21 states that has not passed legislation; however, two state Senators are working hard to change that.
Republican Senators Judy Ward, representing counties in South Central Pennsylvania, and Kristin Phillips-Hill, representing southern York County, were on site in Washington, D.C. with their husbands for the rally.
Senators Phillips-Hill (left) and Ward (right) at the rally
Senator Ward is the prime sponsor of the Pennsylvania Save Women’s Sports Act, with Phillips-Hill as a co-sponsor. The Senate passed the bill last May, 35 to 18, with every Republican voting yes, joined by four Democrats.
The bill was then sent to the House where it is currently languishing in various committees, preventing a full House vote.
Ward and Phillips-Hill showed up for the rally to help raise awareness of the unfairness to girls and women in Pennsylvania.
Senator Ward stressed the importance of the hearings.
“There’s going to be a big hearing today on two very important cases that will determine our country’s future as far as men and women’s sports,” said Ward. “We’re hoping that they choose biology, and they protect all women who are getting pushed aside on sports teams, having trophies taken away from them, and being forced to have men in their locker rooms and invading their personal spaces.”
Senator Phillips-Hill emphasized the stalled state legislation.
“Judy Ward and I championed Senate Bill 9. It’s sitting in the State House of Representatives, and the Democratic leadership refuses to run it,” said Phillips-Hill. “And here’s what’s at stake — our daughters, our granddaughters and every biological girl. Will they have a fair shot to get a spot on that roster? Will they have a fair shot to be able to compete on that field, in that pool, or on that mat? Will they have a fair shot to be able to get a medal on that podium, and will they have a fair shot at earning college scholarships and getting the leadership skills that we have learned in competitive sports?”
The Pennsylvania Senators were joined by many other elected officials from across the country who came out to support the initial intent of Title IX.
West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey expressed optimism that the court would rule in his state’s favor to keep boys out of girls’ sports, and Secretary of Education Linda McMahon spoke about upholding the promise of Title IX.
It was refreshing to watch a male Governor stand up to protect girls and women — especially when Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro refuses to take a stand.
Ward, Phillips-Hill and other Republican lawmakers are committed to passing the Save Women’s Sports Act and launched an “I Believe” initiative to help raise awareness and garner support for the bill. They are hoping to collect enough signatures to compel the Democratic leadership in the House to advance the bill to a full vote.
This is incredibly important because even if the Supreme Court rules in favor of the states, the ruling will not change the status quo in Pennsylvania.
Currently, schools throughout Pennsylvania are allowing boys to compete in girls’ sports, and they are taking away spots at district and state competitions which directly impacts college scholarship opportunities.
Many Pennsylvanians understand the importance of fighting for this cause and some showed up in support.
Julie Potter from Bucks County joined the crowds.
“I traveled to DC from PA because the truth matters!,” said Potter. “Women and girls matter. I’m Gen X and I feel it’s my duty to protect these girls and give them what I had, single sex sports!!”
Bucks County resident Julie Potter at the rally
We have a long road ahead of us in Pennsylvania to enact legislation to protect girls and women, and it is incumbent upon all of us — regardless of political affiliation — to stand up and speak out. Most Americans believe that boys should not be able to play in girls’ sports; yet in our Commonwealth, we can’t get the Democratic-majority House to advance the bill, despite the fact that many Democrats support this position.
Democrats for an Informed Approach to Gender is a national grassroots organization, dedicated to “biology, not ideology.” The group was out in full force at the rally, and their efforts should be applauded. Democratic elected officials should take note that only their extreme progressive constituents support boys in girls’ sports and spaces.
It is time to return common sense and sanity to our Commonwealth. Any honest person knows that there are two sexes based on biology, and anything to the contrary is simply false. We need our legislators to stand up for our girls and show the same courage as the young women who have refused to be silenced on this issue.
Beth Ann Rosica resides in West Chester, has a Ph.D. in Education, and has dedicated her career to advocating on behalf of at-risk children and families. She covers education issues for Broad + Liberty. Contact her at [email protected].
