Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signed a bill on Thursday that will prevent biological males identifying as transgender women from participating in women’s sports at the collegiate level.
Senate Bill 15, authored by Sen. Mayes Middleton (R-Galveston), stipulates that institutions of higher education may not allow “a student to compete on the team in an intercollegiate athletic competition sponsored or authorized by the institution that is designated for the biological sex opposite to the student’s biological sex.”
“Today is an important day for female athletes across the state of Texas, including little girls who aspire to one day compete in college sports,” Abbott said in a press release.
“The Save Women’s Sports Act protects young women at Texas colleges and universities by prohibiting men from competing on a team or as an individual against them in college sports,” he continued.
“Sports have inspired many women to cast bold visions and dreams of what they want to achieve. The legacy of women’s sports will be safeguarded for generations to come,” Abbott concluded. “Women in Texas can be assured that the integrity of their sports will be protected in our state.”
Women’s rights groups such as the Independent Council on Women’s Sports (ICONS) have led national initiatives to prevent biological males who identify as transgender women from participating, as reported by The Dallas Express.
Marshi Smith, co-founder of ICONS, explained in April to The Dallas Express, “Ever since female athletic categories have existed, there have been people that have tried to manipulate and cheat their way into categories.”
However, activist group Texas Freedom Network condemned the bill, with Vice President of Programs Marti Bier saying in a press release, “SB 15 is yet another harmful attack from anti-LGBTQ lawmakers on transgender Texans’ right to be embraced, accepted, and able to thrive — particularly in Texas’ public universities and colleges.”
“This bill would blatantly invalidate trans experiences by forcing trans college athletes to compete on teams that do not align with their gender identity,” Bier continued. “Just like their fellow athletes, trans athletes vary in ability and body type — factors such as physical training, conditioning, dedication, and experience determine athletic performance more than anything else.”
“Texas’ talented student-athletes deserve the freedom to bring their full selves to the field and court. … transgender lives can never be erased. No matter what laws are passed by the extremists currently in power, our communities will find love and support within each other,” Bier added.
SB 15 builds upon prior legislation that created similar guidelines for girls’ sports at the K-12 level that was passed by the Texas Legislature in 2021.