At the hearing, True North Legal’s General Counsel Renee Carlson, who is an experienced lawyer and a regular voice in House and Senate committee rooms, led off with the legal history of this issue, appealing to the decades-long precedent of Title IX and the critical need to protect women and girls.
Our Public Policy Director, Rebecca Delahunt, emphasized the injustice of boys taking away opportunities from girls, and the risks that both girls and their coaches incur when they dare to speak out against it.
That’s why the in-person testimonies of the current student athletes were so striking. They are the very girls in need of this protection, and they risked ostracization by coaches, teammates and friends by speaking out against an injustice that far too many people still naively support.
There are too many stories of girls missing out on roster spots, medals, championships, and scholarships because they’ve been bested by males who have undeniable physiological advantages. Even worse are the stories of girls who have been severely injured by male athletes, such as the one shared by the mother whose daughter suffered a broken arm, resulting in a permanent limitation of function.
Their bold testimony helped pass the bill out of the House committee, but wasn’t enough to ensure the bill’s passage on the House floor, as it fell short by one vote with every single DFL legislator voted against the measure. In response, our allies strategically tabled the bill. They have the option to bring it back up for vote later this year or next year, once the outlook for passage is better.
And we are confident that day is coming. It’s important to remember that legislation isn’t always measured by “yes” and “no” votes. We seized a moment of opportunity and gained ground on this issue because the merits of this bill were clearly articulated both inside and outside the committee room and House chamber, thanks to Renee, Rebecca, the bill author, Representative Peggy Scott, and our whole slate of testifiers…but especially these brave young ladies.
All these efforts are fueled by supporters like you. Your generosity makes it possible for us to be here, engaged full-time in these important efforts. That’s why we’re asking once again for your investment in MFC, MFI and our legal advocacy affiliate, True North Legal, with a gift of $25, $50, $100 or even more, if you are able.
Thank you for all the ways you demonstrate that you are behind us in these important battles, which reminds us that the Lord is also with us, for us and empowering us for the fights to which He has called us.
