Houchin Op-Ed: Protecting female athletes should not be controversial
February 7 marks National Women and Girls Sports Day, a beacon of celebration for the incredible achievements and advancements made by female athletes across the nation. This day, however, has been clouded by controversy surrounding the inclusion of transgender athletes in women's athletics. While inclusivity is a noble pursuit, it must not come at the expense of fairness and integrity in sports, particularly for biological female athletes who deserve an even playing field.
The tradition of recognizing women in sports began on February 3, 1987, with President Reagan's proclamation of the first "National Women in Sports Day." As we continue to celebrate the determination and grit of women and girls in sports, we must advocate for their right to compete in a safe environment with fair competitions and secure locker rooms.
Our call for exclusive access to women's sports teams echoes the sentiments of concerned parents and student athletes who demand change. A poll conducted by Parents Defending Education revealed that over 70% of more than 1,000 adults oppose allowing biological males to compete in female sports teams.
The inclusion of transgender athletes in women's sports raises legitimate questions about competitive balance and fairness. Biological males typically possess physical advantages, such as greater muscle mass and strength, which confers a competitive edge over their female counterparts. For these reasons, allowing biological males to compete in women's athletics threatens to undermine the achievements and opportunities of biological female athletes.
Not only is the competition unfair, it is also unsafe. Female athletes have suffered physical harmed due to the inclusion of biological males on their teams. Athletes like Massachusetts high school field hockey playersuffered a field hockey ball to the face by a male student, the North Carolina volleyball athlete with head and neck injuries due to a volleyball spiked to her face by a male athlete, and Hannah Arensman who was forced to quit cycling after a transgender athlete attempted to push her off the trail.
It is essential to recognize the courageous voices of female athletes who have spoken out against the unfairness they face in women's sports. Athletes like Riley Gaines and Paula Scanlan, who have vowed to fight for the integrity of women's athletics amid backlash and controversy. Chelsea Mitchell, Connecticut’s fastest girl, and her teammates who are fighting against policies that cost 85 female athletes 15 state championships. Coaches like Kim Russell, bravely speaking out. Their advocacy highlights the importance of protecting the rights and opportunities of biological female athletes in sports.
I am committed to joining them in this fight, which began with House passage of the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act of 2023, legislation that blocks biological males from competing in girls and women’s sports, as well as accessing their locker rooms.
House Republicans are set to introduce the Protection of Women in Olympic and Amateur Sports Act, a bill that would block biological men from participating in any U.S. Olympic Committee event intended for women. I am proud to cosponsor the bill as it defines female and male athletes based on reproductive biology and aims to uphold fairness and safety in women’s sports. The bill follows the illogical USA Boxing's policy change allowing transgender athletes to compete in gendered divisions they identify with, sparking concerns about safety.
As a mother of two daughters, I never dreamt we would have to propose legislation like this in the United States Congress. Men and women are different. That should not be controversial, it is a factual statement. Biological males do have advantages related to size, height, and muscle mass. This is why Title IX exists, to ensure that men and women have equal opportunities in competition. Women and girls are being robbed of awards and titles. They are being forced to share locker rooms with biological males, without their consent. The number of female athletes who have been hurt by and exposed to this is growing at an alarming rate. As Riley Gaines said, “This is simply unacceptable, and the integrity of women’s sports is eroding.”
Today, we celebrate biological female athletes. We celebrate the scholarships earned, the trophies and awards showcased in homes, and the future opportunities females will have to showcase excellence in their sport. Let us use this day as an opportunity to reaffirm our dedication to promoting true fairness and equality in women's sports. By standing together in support of biological female athletes and advocating for policies that protect their rights, we can ensure that National Women and Girls Sports Day remains a celebration of the achievements and contributions of female athletes for years to come.
Originally published in The Washington Times.