Athletes Call on Senate Democrats to Support Women’s Sports Protection Act

Athletes Call on Senate Democrats to Support Women’s Sports Protection Act

The U.S. Senate is set to vote on the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act, a bill aiming to establish a firmer federal standard to exclude transgender athletes from competing in women’s and girls’ sports. This comes amid various states challenging President Donald Trump’s recent executive order on the matter.

Despite the Republican majority in the Senate, the bill requires support from at least seven Democrats to overcome a filibuster and proceed to the President. In the House of Representatives, nearly all Democrats except for two voted against the legislation.

Many female athletes across the nation are expressing their hope that some Democratic senators will diverge from the party line and support the bill. They view this legislation as vital for protecting the integrity of women’s sports.

Voices of Concern: Athletes Speak Out

Brooke Slusser, a former volleyball player from San Jose State University, emerged as a notable voice amidst this national debate. Following a highly publicized lawsuit against her university, the NCAA, and her athletic conference regarding her experiences with a transgender teammate, Slusser urges Democratic senators to consider the implications of this issue on young female athletes.

“Do they have kids? Would they ever want their daughter having a man swinging a ball directly at them? Maybe even unknowingly, leading to possible injury and a ruined sports career?” Slusser questioned while speaking to Fox News Digital. “How can you prioritize that and still support it? I just find it hard to understand.”

Slusser’s lawsuit claims she was forced to share intimate spaces with trans teammate Blaire Fleming during the 2023 season. After becoming a prominent advocate against trans inclusion, she faced threats and harassment from her peers, leading her to leave the university. Despite the challenges, Slusser maintains that her activism has the potential to encourage significant legislative change.

Sharing Their Stories: Activism at the White House

Simultaneously, fellow athletes Payton McNabb and Selina Soule visited the White House to meet with U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi and multiple state attorneys general. Their goal was to advocate for the prohibition of transgender athletes in girls’ and women’s sports.

Soule, a former high school track and field athlete and four-time national qualifier, described how she lost opportunities for college scholarships due to competition against transgender athletes. In 2018, she began to voice her opposition to trans inclusion after losing a chance to compete in a regional championship.

“I would encourage senators unsure about this bill to think of their family members often affected by these decisions,” Soule stated. “Would you feel comfortable letting your daughter compete against someone who is stronger or have her share changing facilities with them? If the answer is no, support this bill for the sake of women and girls.”

Highlighting Public Sentiment on Trans Inclusion

McNabb, who suffered brain trauma and a neck injury from a spike delivered by a transgender player when she was 17, emphasized that the majority of Americans, including many Democrats, stand against trans inclusion in women’s sports. She recalled her experience and urged lawmakers to reflect on the rights that every woman deserves.

“It is crucial to act now and advocate for the rights of women affected by these policies. Many Americans and a large portion of Democrats agree with this reasoning, so it is baffling when they hesitate to vote in favor of this critical issue,” she articulated.

Expectations for Bipartisan Support

Senator Marsha Blackburn, a prominent Republican leader from Tennessee, anticipates some bipartisan backing for the bill. She believes many Democrats share concerns about Title IX and the fairness of biological males competing against women.

“Many of my Democrat friends recognize that competition among biological males in women’s sports is inappropriate. They express their concerns for opportunities in sports for their daughters, nieces, and granddaughters. It frustrates them to see any potential for unfair competition,” Blackburn remarked.

Polling Data on Public Opinion

A recent survey conducted by The New York Times and Ipsos revealed that a significant majority of Americans believe transgender athletes should not compete in women’s sports. Out of over 2,000 respondents, 79 percent opposed allowing biological males who identify as women to participate in women’s sports. Surprisingly, 67 percent of Democrat-leaning participants shared this sentiment.

This polling data indicates a growing consensus on protective regulations for women’s sports, further reinforcing advocates’ calls for legislative action.

The Path Ahead: A Call for Action

As the Senate vote approaches, athletes and advocates are optimistic about the potential for change. They hope that conversations with attorneys general will lead to discussions with Democratic senators to secure the necessary votes for the bill.

The passionate testimonies from athletes like Slusser, McNabb, and Soule shed light on the urgent need for legislative action to protect women’s sports. Their determination to champion their rights resonates with many and highlights the challenges faced by female competitors nationwide.

In this pivotal moment, the fate of the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act rests in the hands of the senators. As they consider their votes, they must reflect on the voices of those most impacted and the fundamental principles of fairness in sports.