Topeka (March 9, 2023) – For the third session in a row, the Kansas Senate has passed the Fairness in Women’s Sports Act. It passed with 28 votes in support, a veto-proof majority.
Senator Renee Erickson spearheaded the debate and offered powerful remarks in support of the bill and in defense of fairness for female athletes.
“The Fairness in Women’s Sports Act ensures that we continue to uphold Title IX and protect fair play for Kansas girls. This is what Title IX has done for 50 years. We’re not the ones who changed anything about eligibility for women’s teams – KSHSHAA did that when they changed their policy in 2015,” Erickson said.
Erickson also addressed the lack of concern opponents of the bill had for women like swimmer Riley Gaines, who came to Kansas to testify in support of the bill.
“Opponents don’t seem concerned about the trophies, placements, and championships that will be lost by Kansas girls if we don’t pass this. They aren’t concerned mental health of girls who will be forced to undress around biological men. I’m not willing to wait until a Kansas girl is forced into this situation. And that is why I vote YES for the Fairness in Women’s Sports Act,” said Erickson in her Explanation of Vote.
With the House having already passed the legislation, HB 2238 now heads to the governor.
“The Fairness in Women’s Sports Act is about just that – fairness. It simply sets guidelines that ensure the fair playing field continues for women that we have recognized for decades. Despite her past vetoes of this same bill, Governor Kelly indicated in a campaign ad that of course she believes men should not compete in girls’ sports. If she is true to her word about meeting us in the middle, then of course she will sign the bill,” said President Ty Masterson.
