The Pennsylvania Senate approved legislation on Apr. 22 that would require public schools and colleges to designate sports teams based on biological sex, according to Sens. Judy Ward and Kristin Phillips-Hill.
Supporters of the bill say it is intended to ensure fairness in women’s athletics by allowing only biological females to participate on female-designated teams. The legislation, known as Senate Bill 1293, also provides a legal pathway for students who believe they have been harmed by violations of this rule.
“The Save Women’s Sports Act is about ensuring that female athletes have a level playing field and that the progress made throughout the past decades in women’s athletics is protected,” Ward said. She added, “While House Democrats continue to play partisan politics instead of protecting the women of this commonwealth, Senate Republicans stand ready to provide every female athlete the opportunity they have fought so hard to achieve.”
Phillips-Hill said, “Fairness in women’s sports should never be up for debate or subject to change with shifting federal guidance.” She continued, “I want to thank Sen. Judy Ward for her leadership as we have continued to work together in championing this issue. The Senate has acted in a bipartisan way to ensure that in Pennsylvania, equal opportunity for female athletes is not temporary. It is guaranteed.”
Ward introduced the bill alongside several other senators and noted bipartisan support among co-sponsors. Since 2020 in Pennsylvania, men have placed ahead of female athletes dozens of times at sporting events.
Recent policy guidelines from the International Olympic Committee restrict participation in women’s categories at events under their jurisdiction exclusively to biological females after scientific review determined such rules are necessary.
Phillips-Hill represents York County’s 28th District according to her official website. She holds roles including Majority Caucus Chair and serves on committees such as Banking and Insurance according to her official website. Phillips-Hill has previously introduced measures related to cybersecurity and naloxone access according to her official website.
The legislation will now move forward for consideration by the House of Representatives.
