West Florida News

U.S. Representative Greg Steube (R-Fla.) and Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) have introduced legislation to prohibit men from competing in athletic events intended for females. The legislation, called The Protection of Women in Olympic and Amateur Sports Act, aims to combat USA Boxing's 2024 transgender policy that allows men to compete against women.

In a statement, Representative Steube expressed his concern over the illogical USA Boxing transgender policy and the erasure of women's sports. He stated, "Congress should not have to take legislative action to prevent biological men from hitting women for championship titles. We must combat the erasure of women’s sports by standing for truth, reality, safety, and fairness."

Senator Tuberville echoed this sentiment, stating, "Men should not be competing in women’s sports at any level—and especially not in a sport like boxing. It’s unsafe, it’s unfair, and it’s just plain wrong."

The legislation is cosponsored by several representatives, including Harriet Hageman (R-Wyo.) and Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.). It is also supported by various organizations such as the Alliance Defending Freedom, American Principles Project, and Concerned Women for America Legislative Action Committee.

Riley Gaines, a 12-time NCAA All American Swimmer and Independent Women’s Forum Ambassador, expressed her gratitude for the leadership of Representative Steube and Senator Tuberville. She emphasized the importance of fairness, privacy, and safety for girls and women in sports.

Christiana Kiefer, Senior Counsel at the Alliance Defending Freedom, highlighted the need for a level playing field for women and girls. She stated, "Males possess clear biological advantages, and this is exemplified as female athletes lose medals, podium spots, public recognition, and opportunities to compete."

Terry Schilling, President of the American Principles Project, emphasized that women's sports are for women and criticized the spread of left-wing gender ideology that has led to unfair competition between biological males and females.

The legislation has garnered support from various organizations and individuals who advocate for the protection of women and girls in sports. Penny Nance, CEO and President of Concerned Women for America, expressed her support, stating, "No American woman competing for our country should be forced into unsafe, unfair competition."

Ryan Walker, Executive Vice President of Heritage Action, emphasized the importance of saving women's sports and called on Congress to address the injustice faced by female athletes.

The bill aims to ensure that women's sports remain reserved for female athletes and that men do not invade women's competition. It seeks to uphold the dignity, safety, and equal opportunities of female athletes.

Representative Steube has been a long-time sponsor of the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act, which passed the U.S. House on April 20, 2023. The bill awaits a vote in the U.S. Senate and aims to ensure that school athletics comply with Title IX recognition of a person's reproductive biology and genetics at birth.

With the introduction of The Protection of Women in Olympic and Amateur Sports Act, Representative Steube and Senator Tuberville are taking a stand for fairness and the preservation of women's sports. Their legislation aims to protect the rights and opportunities of female athletes and ensure a level playing field for women and girls in sports.