HARRISBURG – State Senators Judy Ward and Kristen Philips-Hill announced that the Pennsylvania Senate approved legislation to preserve opportunities for female athletes at public schools and colleges by requiring scholastic sports teams to be designated based on biological sex.
Senate Bill 1293 would require public schools and colleges to label sports teams as male, female or coed and further states that only biological females can join teams designated for women. The bill would also allow students to take legal action if they are harmed by violations of this rule.
According to Senator Ward, “The Save Women’s Sports Act is about ensuring that female athletes have a level playing field and that the progress made throughout the past decades in women’s athletics is protected.” Senator Ward added that the passage of this legislation by the Senate Education Committee marks a significant step toward maintaining integrity and safety in women’s sports across Pennsylvania.
The bill’s co-sponsor Senator Phillips-Hill added, “Fairness in women’s sports should never be up for debate or subject to change with shifting federal guidance.” The Save Women’s Sports Act now goes to the Pennsylvania House for consideration.