Friends and neighbors,

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled Tuesday that states can keep girls' sports teams reserved for biological girls. The 6-3 decision upheld laws in Idaho and West Virginia, and it gives legal cover to similar laws already on the books in 25 other states. The Court was clear: states can set eligibility for girls' and women's sports based on biological sex without violating Title IX or the Constitution.

This is a huge win for girls and women everywhere, not just those who compete in athletics.

Girls' sports exist because generations of women fought for the chance to compete, build confidence, learn teamwork, and earn scholarships that simply did not exist before Title IX. Every roster spot on a girls’ sports team, every minute of playing time, and every medal represents an opportunity, and when that opportunity goes to a biological male, it is no longer available to a biological girl.

Protecting these opportunities means making sure the hard work and dedication of female athletes is rewarded with a fair playing field.

Unfortunately, Minnesota law still allows those that identify as transgender athletes to compete in girls' sports. The U.S. Department of Justice's Civil Rights Division is currently suing the Minnesota Department of Education and the Minnesota State High School League over this policy, arguing it fails to comply with Title IX.

In the Legislature, Senate and House Republicans have attempted to pass the Preserving Girls' Sports Act multiple times, which would restrict girls sports only to biological girls. Democrats have blocked our attempts every time. This week's ruling gives us a strong foundation to revisit Minnesota's policy, and I will keep fighting until Minnesota girls have the same protections and opportunities that girls in dozens of other states now have.

If you have questions, please reach out any time. It is my privilege to serve you.

Sincerely,

Senator Keri Heintzeman