Rep. Bennett Supports Bill Prohibiting Boys from Playing in Girls’ Sports

ST. PAUL – The Minnesota House of Representatives considered legislation being co-authored by State Representative Peggy Bennett (R-Albert Lea) this week that would prohibit boys from playing in girls’ sports in Minnesota.

“Across the nation, we are seeing biological boys winning state championships in girls divisions, and we are seeing girls facing serious injuries due to boys playing in girls’ athletic events,” Bennett said. “That is not fair, it’s not safe, and it is not right. This bill does not prevent any child from playing sports. But it does insist that, regardless of how the student wants to identify, biological born males cannot play in female only sports.”

Bennett said the bill specially states that only students of the female sex may participate in an elementary or secondary school athletic team or sport that an educational institution has restricted on the basis of sex to women or girls.

“This bill is common sense and recognizes biology,” Bennett said. “There are significant physical and physiological differences between male and female bodies. 80% of Minnesotans support only girls playing in girls’ athletics due to fairness and safety concerns. This should not be a controversial or partisan topic.”

Bennett said the bill received a full vote of the Minnesota House on March 3. All 67 Republicans voted for the proposal, and all 66 Democrats voted against it. 68 votes are needed in order for legislation to be approved in the Minnesota House. Following some procedural motions after the vote, Bennett said the bill could be revisited by the House in the weeks ahead.