Rep. Fogelman Supports Bill Prohibiting Boys from Playing in Girls’ Sports

ST. PAUL – A recent lawsuit filed by the U.S. Department of Justice against the State of Minnesota has once again brought the issue of fairness and safety in girls sports to the forefront.

At issue: why Minnesota continues to allow biological boys to compete in girls sporting events.

The justice department notes Minnesota is violating the federal Title IX law, which ensures fairness and safety for female student athletes. In response, the Minnesota House recently debated the Preserving Girls Sports Act, which would end the illegal practice by prohibiting boys from playing in girls’ sports in Minnesota. State Representative Marj Fogelman (R-Fulda) voted yes on the bill.

“Title IX gives girls and women the right to equal opportunity in athletic competitions,” Fogelman said. “Allowing biological males to compete in girls’ sports destroys that opportunity.”

The Preserving Girls Sports Act ensures 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.

“It’s not controversial to say boys and girls are born differently,” Fogelman said. “This is why we have boys and girls divisions in sports. It is senseless to allow biological males to participate in girls’ sports and potentially trample their chance at success.”

Fogelman 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.