The Pennsylvania Senate has approved the Save Women’s Sports Act, a bill designed to reserve athletic teams designated for women exclusively for biological females in K–12 and collegiate sports. The bill, known as Senate Bill 9, is now headed to the House of Representatives for further consideration.
The legislation aims to protect competitive fairness, athletic opportunity, and safety for female athletes throughout Pennsylvania. It is sponsored by several senators including Judy Ward, Kristin Phillips-Hill, Lisa Baker, Michele Brooks, Camera Bartolotta, Tracy Pennycuick, Rosemary Brown, Lynda Schlegel Culver, Dawn Keefer, and Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward.
Senator Judy Ward emphasized the importance of maintaining opportunities provided by Title IX: “We cannot allow the opportunities that Title IX enshrined for women to be lost. With our passage of the Save Women’s Sports Act today, my Senate colleagues and I showed that they will defend women and their right to safe and fair competition.”
Kristin Phillips-Hill highlighted the need for fairness in sports: “This is about standing up for the next generation of female athletes across Pennsylvania. They deserve a level playing field and the chance to compete… Today’s vote sends a clear message: we will protect the integrity of women’s sports.”
Lisa Baker noted that the bill establishes state policy on fair play: “This bill establishes as state policy the principles of fair play… ensuring a safer playing field for women and girls in sports.”
Michele Brooks spoke on preserving integrity in female athletics: “It is our responsibility to ensure that young women and girls have access to fair competition… Protecting the safety and future of female athletes isn’t just about fairness but standing up for what’s right.”
Camera Bartolotta referenced former President Donald Trump’s executive order: “President Donald Trump’s Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports executive order was a triumph… today’s advancement of Senate Bill 9 is a testament…”
Tracy Pennycuick reiterated support based on Title IX’s intent: “As a cosponsor of the bill… this is solely about fairness and opportunity… Let’s keep a level playing field in sports.”
Rosemary Brown reflected on her own experiences as an athlete: “As a former college athlete… I want to ensure that female athletes now and in the future have the same opportunity to grow through fair and competitive play.”
Lynda Schlegel Culver stressed commitment to integrity in women’s sports: “Ensuring fair and safe competition for female athletes has been a consistent priority…”
Dawn Keefer asserted that inclusion should not exclude females from their rights under Title IX: “Women and girls deserve a level playing field. Allowing biological males in female sports isn’t inclusion—it’s exclusion…”
Kim Ward celebrated what she called “a great day” for female athletes with this legislative move.
The legislation seeks alignment with Title IX’s original intent by preventing unfair competition from biological males against females seeking scholarships or placements.
