Today, every Minnesota Democrat voted against a state version of Title IX that would protect girls’ sports, and provide additional training and support to identify and report abuse in athletics.  

Senator Carla Nelson (R-Rochester), the author of the amendment, issued the following statement in response to the failure of Democrats to support protections for girls’ sports in Minnesota. 

“Support for girls’ sports has made tremendous strides since I was a student-athlete. The entire purpose of Title IX was to provide equal support for both sexes and promote the expansion of sports for women and girls. Girls deserve an equal playing field and an opportunity to grow as athletes free from unfair and unsafe competition from those who were born biologically male. It’s disappointing and wrong we couldn’t get bipartisan support to uphold the promise of Title IX and protect girls participating in athletics.” 

Background: 

While debating SF1740, Senator Carla Nelson offered the A42 amendment, to titled “Preserving Girls Sports Act,” which would have required school sports to be separated by biological sex. It was amended through the A74 amendment initially offered by Senator Erin Maye Quade, then withdrawn and reoffered by Senator Jordan Rasmusson to additionally ensure spending on boys and girls sports was equitable and require school districts provide training to athletes and coaches on how to identify and report sexual and racial harassment. After being amended by the A74 amendment, every Democrat in the chamber voted against supporting and protecting girls sports.