West Florida News

U.S. Representative Greg Steube from Florida and Senator Marsha Blackburn from Tennessee have introduced resolutions in the House of Representatives and the Senate, respectively, urging the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) to revoke its policy that allows biological males to compete on women's sports teams. The resolution argues that this policy negatively affects female athletes and conflicts with Title IX protections.

"Women’s sports were created to ensure fairness and opportunity for female athletes," stated Rep. Steube. "The NCAA’s discriminatory policy jeopardizes that fairness, putting women at a competitive disadvantage while creating safety threats. Denying biological reality erases decades of progress for women in sports and undermines the very foundation of Title IX."

Senator Blackburn added, "Young women across the country have suffered injuries, faced sexual harassment, and lost accolades because they were forced to share spaces designed for women with men. The vast majority of Americans agree athletes should only be allowed to compete on teams that correspond with their biological sex."

The resolution emphasizes the role sports play in young girls' development and highlights achievements by female athletes under Title IX's influence.

Key aspects of the resolution include calls for the NCAA to:

- Revoke its current transgender eligibility policy.

- Restore integrity by prohibiting biological males from competing on women's teams.

- Implement a uniform, sex-based policy across all divisions.

- Encourage other governing bodies to protect women's sports exclusively for biological females.

It also praises the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) for actions taken to safeguard women's sports.

House cosponsors include Representatives Harriet Hageman, Riley Moore, Lauren Boebert, Daniel Webster, Burgess Owens, Mary Miller, Claudia Tenney, Michael Guest, Jake Ellzey, Rich McCormick, Vern Buchanan, and Ralph Norman.

Senate cosponsors are Senators Jim Risch (Idaho), Roger Wicker (Mississippi), James Lankford (Oklahoma), Mike Crapo (Idaho), Joni Ernst (Iowa), Roger Marshall (Kansas), John Barrasso (Wyoming), Thom Tillis (North Carolina), Tim Sheehy (Montana), Tommy Tuberville (Alabama), Steve Daines (Montana), and Katie Britt (Alabama).

The NCAA's policy has been in place since 2010. In contrast, NAIA has taken measures ensuring only biological females compete on women's teams. This resolution is part of Rep. Steube’s efforts following his Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act passing in the House recently.