Despite Rep. Dippel’s Support, Preserving Girls’ Sports Act Falls Short by One Vote

All 67 House Republicans voted yes, all 66 House Democrats voted no

ST. PAUL – Should athletes who were born as boys be prevented from playing in girls sporting events?

The State of Minnesota is currently being sued by the U.S. Department of Justice for violations of the federal Title IX law which ensures fairness and safety for female student athletes. To rectify this problem, the Minnesota House of Representatives recently voted on the Preserving Girls Sports Act, which would prevent biological boys from participating in girls’ athletics.

State Representative Tom Dippel (R-Cottage Grove) voted in favor of the bill.

“This bill does nothing to stop kids from going out for a sports team,” Dippel said. “But it does recognize that allowing a boy to play in girls’ competitions is sex-based discrimination and a clear violation of Title IX.”

Specifically, the Preserving Girls Sports Act states that only students of the female sex may participate in an elementary or secondary school athletic team or sport that an educational institution has restricted on the basis of sex to women or girls.

Dippel said the bill received a full vote of the Minnesota House on April 7. All 67 Republicans voted for the proposal, and all 66 Democrats voted against it. Because 68 votes are needed for legislation to be approved in the Minnesota House, the Preserving Girls Sports Act failed to pass by one vote.