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Hello from St. Paul,
A plan that would prevent boys in Minnesota from playing in girls’ sports received a full House floor debate this week. I voted yes on the bill.
This bill is about keeping girls safe. It does not prevent a boy who identifies as a girl from playing sports, but it does require participation with athletes of your actual gender.
Specifically, the House bill states that only students of the female sex may participate in an elementary or secondary school athletic team or sport that an educational institution has restricted on the basis of sex to women or girls. If there is a dispute, a student must present a signed physician’s statement indicating the student’s sex is based solely on the student’s internal and external anatomy, natural occurring level of testosterone, and an analysis of the student’s chromosomes.
It’s pretty sad that we actually need to bring legislation forward that prevents a boy from taking part in girls’ athletics. When it comes to fairness as well as safety for our girls, this is just common sense. As the bill author said in her closing speech, “'we no longer have girls and boys sports, we have boys and co-ed.”
Fogelman said the bill received a full vote of the Minnesota House on March 3. All 67 Republicans voted for the proposal, and all 66 Democrats voted against it. 68 votes are needed in order for legislation to be approved in the Minnesota House. Following some procedural motions after the vote, Fogelman said the bill could be revisited by the House in the weeks ahead.)
LOCAL VISITORS
Members from Cottonwood, Nobles and Pipestone Soil and Water Conservation Districts met with me in St. Paul this week!
They were able to give me a broader overview of what they do and shared some of their legislative concerns. It was a great conversation, and I appreciate them making their way to the Capitol.
Have a good weekend,
Marj
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