Today, Senator Warren Limmer (R-Maple Grove) took a clear stand to protect girls’ sports. He voted to move forward a bill that ensures only biological female student-athletes compete in girls’ sports at the elementary and secondary levels in Minnesota. Unfortunately, the motion failed on a party-line vote, 33 to 34. The democrat committee chairman was herd to say the bill was not likely to even be heard in his committee.

“Our girls deserve their own competitions and podiums, and it’s shocking that some do not think the safety and dignity of girl’s athletics is something to be protected,” Sen. Limmer said.

Recent polling from the New York Times found that nearly 80% of Americans do not think boys should compete in girls’ sports. Riley Gaines, a highly rated competitive female swimmer, and an outspoken advocate for protecting girls’ and women’s sports and competitions was at the Capitol to support legislative action.

“No girl should have her medal or award stolen from her in the name of equity. It’s fundamentally unfair to ask girls to succeed against boys in athletics. These decisions are not without long-term consequences. Historical records, scholarships, and even careers are at stake,” Limmer said. “I will continue to fight for the right of every girl to have a fair and level playing field of her peers and only her peers.”

The NCAA recently changed their policy to only allow women in gender-specific competitions, however, the Minnesota State High School League has made no such change.

Photo: Sen. Limmer with Riley Gaines, former Division I collegiate swimmer, and outspoken advocate to protect girls’ and women’s sports.