FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 14, 2023
Contact: Laura Macklem
[email protected]

PROTECTIONS FOR FEMALE COLLEGIATE ATHLETES GAINS STEAM AFTER SENATE APPROVES HOUSE VERSION OF WOMEN’S SPORTS BILL

The North Carolina Senate Education Committee passed the House version of the “Fairness in Women’s Sports Act,” which unlike the Senate version, includes protections for collegiate women athletes. The bill states biological males would not be allowed on women’s sports teams.

“We are encouraged by today’s vote which protects middle school, high school and female athletes from being forced to play against biological males, who without question have significant physical advantages,” said NC Values Executive Director Tami Fitzgerald. “It’s time for North Carolina to ensure all student female athletes have a level playing field, and their rights under Title IX are upheld.”

NC Values and NC Faith & Freedom Coalition commissioned a statewide poll in January 2023, and found over 70% of North Carolinians believe biological males should not be permitted on female sports teams. A new nationwide Gallup Poll revealed 69% of Americans also agree about protecting female athletes from being forced to compete against transgender competitors, showing a 7% leap since 2021.

Payton McNabb and Riley Gaines, female athletes both personally affected by transgender competitors submitted statements for today’s committee hearing. McNabb was a high school volleyball player in Cherokee, North Carolina injured when a trans volleyball player spiked a ball in her face causing her long-term neurological, mental, and other issues.

“I have suffered mentally and physically every day since the incident. My body suffers with the side effects of my head and neck injuries; the constant headaches, fatigue, partial paralysis on my right side, vision, problems, and my ability to retain, or comprehend, has been affected,” said McNabb in her statement. “The amount of anxiety of not knowing when or if I will ever completely heal, has taken its toll. I have had severe bouts with depression because of this. I never want anyone to have to go through what I’m going through.”

Riley Gaines, who was cheated out of a championship title by biological male Lia Thomas, also submitted a statement to the committee today. “Make no mistake about it, by allowing Thomas to displace female athletes – in the pool and on the podium — the NCAA and its member colleges intentionally discriminated on the basis of sex,” said Gaines. “I implore you to please pass House Bill 574, the ‘Fairness in Women’s Sports Act’ that preserves women’s athletic opportunities at all levels, including young women competing in college like me.”

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