Dear Member of Congress,

Independent Women’s Voice, which fights to enhance people’s freedom, choices, and opportunities, is proud to support the Protect Women’s Sports Act (H.R.8932), introduced by Representative Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI) and Representative Markwayne Mullin (R-OK).  This bipartisan bill would amend Title IX to clarify that, when it comes to athletics, “sex” shall be determined on the basis of biological sex at birth, not gender identity. 

This would codify true equal opportunity for women and girls in high school and college sports. In the realm of athletics, biological sex differences matter. Without separate teams for women and men, men would dominate women in competitive sports where strength, size, or speed are relevant factors. That is because, physiologically, the average male is stronger, bigger, and faster than the average female. 

Women have fought long and hard for equal athletic opportunities. Allowing males to compete against females will limit women’s chances of success, take spots (and potential scholarships) away from women, and place women at risk of injury. 

That isn’t fair. That’s why our sister organization, Independent Women’s Forum, launched the Demand Fair Play petition, which urges protections and a level playing field for women and girls in sports. The Protect Women’s Sports Act would protect the rights of female athletes and be a huge step towards ensuring true equality in competitive sports.

IWV thanks Representatives Gabbard and Mullin for their leadership on this important issue and urges all Members of Congress to work toward the swift passage of the Protect Women’s Sports Act.

Respectfully,

Hadley Heath Manning

Director of Policy

Independent Women’s Voice