Representative Bidal Duran Co-Authors Bill to Protect Fairness in Women’s Sports
St. Paul — Representative Bidal Duran (R-Bemidji) has announced his co-authorship of a new bill aimed at protecting the integrity of women’s sports at the elementary and secondary school levels. The proposed legislation is designed to preserve fairness and the safety of Minnesota’s young female athletes.
"Being a father of three beautiful girls, it is my obligation to protect them at all costs,” said Duran.
The bill specifically targets situations where educational institutions have established athletic teams or sports restricted to women or girls. It would ensure that only those who are biologically female can participate in those competitions, maintaining a level playing field for all athletes.
Duran stated, "We have to protect girls’ sports, as they fought hard to get to where they are today."
Important measures included in the bill:
- Eligibility Confirmation: If a dispute arises over whether a student is biologically female, a physician’s signed statement will be required to confirm the student's sex.
- Fairness in School Sports: The bill is designed to protect the integrity of athletic events by ensuring that only those who are biologically female can compete in women’s or girls' teams or sports.
- Preserving Opportunities for Female Athletes: By ensuring a fair competition environment, the legislation seeks to safeguard scholarships, sponsorships, and future athletic opportunities for young women.
The bill has already gained significant support from parents, female athletes, and educators who believe that it is essential to protect the fairness and integrity of women's sports in schools.
"This bill is simple. It is simple in that we are protecting our young girls and their sports,” said Duran.
The bill has been approved by the House Committee on Education Policy and is continuing to make its way through the committee process.