York County News

Legislation aimed at upholding Title IX rights in Pennsylvania has progressed, as the Senate Education Committee voted to advance the Save Women’s Sports Act. This development was confirmed by Sen. Kristin Phillips-Hill (R-York), a cosponsor of the measure.

Senate Bill 9 stipulates that school athletic teams designated for women should be exclusively for biological females. The bill seeks to reinforce Title IX's original intent, which is to eliminate discrimination and ensure equal athletic opportunities for female students.

The legislation defines sex based on biological distinctions and mandates that scholastic and collegiate teams designated for women be reserved for biological females. Proponents argue this measure protects the integrity of women’s athletics and ensures fair competition.

Phillips-Hill stressed the significance of maintaining these protections: “The action today sends a strong message: we will not allow political trends or federal overreach to erase the opportunities that generations of women have fought for. Title IX was a promise to our daughters and granddaughters and this bill keeps that promise alive in Pennsylvania,” she stated.

The bill is supported by several cosponsors, including Sens. Judy Ward, Lisa Baker, Michele Brooks, Camera Bartolotta, Tracy Pennycuick, Rosemary Brown, Lynda Schlegel Culver, Dawn Keefer, and Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward. This initiative represents one of the most significant efforts led by a coalition of female lawmakers in recent times.

Advocates assert that female athletes nationwide are losing out on podium placements, scholarships, and even physical safety due to biological males participating in women’s sports. Recent incidents both in Pennsylvania and across the country highlight the urgency of safeguarding women’s athletic opportunities.

Senate Bill 9 will now proceed to the full Senate for further consideration.