ANNAPOLIS, Md. – Maryland voters have spoken: they overwhelmingly support protecting women’s sports by ensuring only biological girls compete against other girls. “Competitive sports allow girls to earn scholarships, set records, and achieve their dreams,” said Delegate Kathy Szeliga, who introduced HB156. “But fairness and safety are jeopardized when biological boys are allowed to participate in elite competitions. We’ve watched girls lose spots on the podium, medals, and even opportunities for collegiate athletics because biological men have taken their place.”
HB156, Fairness in Girls’ Sports, introduced by Delegate Szeliga, will have a hearing on Wednesday, Jan. 29th. Unfortunately, the Ways and Means Committee has limited this bill hearing to sponsor only, which blocks the public from testifying in person. Written testimony can be submitted today between 8-6. Senator Mary Beth Carozza plans to introduce a companion bill in the Senate soon.
A recent Gonzales Research poll, commissioned by the Maryland Freedom Caucus, shows overwhelming support for fairness in girls’ sports. A striking 76% of Maryland voters oppose allowing biological males to compete on girls’ JV and Varsity teams, with 67% strongly opposed. This support transcends party lines, with 96% of Republicans, 81% of independents, and even 65% of Democrats in agreement.
Notably, 83% of African Americans also support protecting fairness in girls’ sports.
“This isn’t about politics—it’s about common sense,” said Delegate Lauren Arikan, a co-sponsor of HB156. “Girls deserve a level playing field, and these poll numbers show that Marylanders, regardless of party affiliation, stand behind protecting the integrity of girls’ sports.”
The Save Women’s Sports movement has gained widespread support from organizations such as the Women’s Liberation Front (WOLF), Independent Women’s Forum, the Independent Council on
Women’s Sports (ICONS), and others fighting to safeguard fairness and opportunity in women’s athletics. This effort is part of a nationwide movement, with nearly every state introducing similar legislation and at least 24 states successfully passing laws to ensure fairness in K-12 and collegiate sports.
“Fairness, opportunity, and safety are the foundation of empowering young women in sports,” Szeliga added. “This bill is about preserving the hard-earned achievements of women and girls who deserve a level playing field. Marylanders agree—it’s time to act.”
“This support transcends party lines, with 96% of Republicans, 81% of independents, and even 65% of Democrats in agreement.
Notably, 83% of African Americans also support protecting fairness in girls’ sports. ”
Now exactly how does race or political affiliation relate to any of this? For wanting to unite Marylanders/Americans, it sounds like the opposite when spouting differing sectors of our population.
There are only two genders i.e., male and female. Biological males ought not to be permitted to play in female sports.
Two “sexes”, gender is a linguistic term.
So we are denying a very small group of children any access to sports because of false and misleading claims.