Anoka Times

State Representative Peggy Scott (R-Andover) has expressed concern over a recent Minnesota Supreme Court decision regarding girls-only sports.

“It’s not outlandish to suggest that we are witnessing the dismantling of girls sports in the State of Minnesota,” Scott said. “Rulings like this will put girls in unsafe situations and at a competitive disadvantage, and as the chief-author of the Preserving Girls Sports Act I can tell you this decision is beyond disappointing.”

Scott stated that the court's ruling effectively makes girls-only sports illegal in Minnesota, arguing that it discriminates against transgender students who were assigned male at birth but identify as female. She said this situation undermines Title IX, which is a federal law that prohibits sex discrimination in educational programs and activities.

Scott has introduced the Preserving Girls Sports Act in response. The bill would require that only students identified as female participate on athletic teams designated for women or girls in elementary or secondary schools. In cases where eligibility is questioned, students would need to provide a physician’s statement verifying their sex based on anatomy, testosterone levels, and chromosome analysis.

With party representation evenly split in the Minnesota House, Scott noted that advancing her proposal would require support from at least one Democratic member. She emphasized her view that such support is necessary to protect opportunities for young women athletes.