Senator Holly Thompson Rehder’s “Save Women’s Sports Act” Approved by Senate

JEFFERSON CITY — Legislation to ensure fair competition for female student athletes sponsored by State Sen. Holly Thompson Rehder, R-Scott City, has received initial approval in Missouri’s upper legislative chamber. Senate Bill 39, which was perfected by the Missouri Senate following an overnight filibuster, would prohibit a transgender female student athlete born as a biological male from competing in sports designated for females.

“Biological males are bigger, stronger and faster than their female counterparts. The majority of women simply can’t compete,” Sen. Thompson Rehder said. “Allowing biological males to compete against females will wipe out women’s sports as we know it. We simply must protect the gains female student athletes have made since the passage of the federal Title IX Act 50 years ago.”

Senator Thompson Rehder’s legislation would allow female athletes to compete in sports intended for males if no corresponding female competition is available. Otherwise, student athletes will only be allowed to compete in competitions corresponding to their official birth certificate. Public funding could be withheld from schools that violate the act.

Pending one final vote in the Missouri Senate, the legislation will move to the House of Representatives for its consideration.

For more information about Sen. Holly Thompson Rehder, visit senate.mo.gov/Rehder.

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