Badger State Republicans seeking to protect women's sports

Two pieces of legislation in the Wisconsin legislator would essentially prohibit schools from allowing students to join teams that don't correspond to their biological sex. The Cap Times reports the bills would apply to public K-12 schools, independent charters, private choice institutions, the University of Wisconsin System, and technical colleges.

Steve McConkey of 4 WINDS Christian Athletics says he is pleasantly surprised by the bills.

"I did not expect this …. Every time you read the paper and you see a new state [pushing to protect women's sports], you can't keep track of all the states that are doing this," he states. "That's a good sign that there's enough upswell in the populations that want to overcome transgender athletes."

Wisconsin's "Protecting Women in Sports Act" was introduced by Republican Representative Barb Bittrich two weeks ago. A Senate version was introduced by Republican State Senator Kathy Bernier.

"Biological females are losing opportunities at titles, records, scholarships, and even participation," Bittrich said in a March 2 press release. "Additionally, by ignoring the scientific, biological fact that males have higher bone density, greater muscle mass, and often greater height, women are being put in physical danger of greater injury in competition."

Democratic Governor Tony Evers, in a tweet on the same day, dictated his intentions: "My message to Wisconsin's transgender kids and students is simple: I see you. You are welcome, you are wanted, and you belong."

So, it's evident that Evers will veto the bill – and there aren't enough votes in the state legislature to override his veto. Still, McConkey sees this as an important step.

"This sends a clear message about the importance of the governor's race that's coming up for election in the year 2022," he contends. "I think [that] is what this is all about … to send a message that we need a new governor."

Idaho has enacted a similar law, but it's facing a court challenge. Last week, the governor of Mississippi signed into law its "Fairness Act." Legislators in at least two other states – Arkansas and Texas – have also introduced bills protecting women's sports from biological males claiming to be female. At the federal level, more than a dozen U.S. senators have introduced a bill barring biological males from competing in women's sports.