Washington state senator champions legislation to protect fairness and safety in girls’ sports and private spaces

Sen. Jim McCune voiced strong support for SB 5097, legislation he says is needed to protect fairness, safety, and privacy for girls in school sports and female-only spaces.

Sen. Jim McCune says SB 5097 is a necessary protection from ideologically driven attacks that are actively reducing opportunities for young women and elevating physical risks for female competitors

Sen. Jim McCune, R-Graham, today (Nov. 19) voiced his strong support for Senate Bill 5097, legislation designed to safeguard fairness and safety in girls’ interscholastic athletic activities across Washington.

According to McCune, this common-sense legislation is a necessary protection from ideologically driven attacks that are actively reducing opportunities for young women and elevating physical risks for female competitors.

“The fight for women’s equality that resulted in the passage of Title IX more than 50 years ago included creating a separate space for girls in sports – a space where they could compete fairly, win, and build confidence,” McCune said, pointing to how the 1972 federal law prohibits of sex-based discrimination in any educational program or activity receiving federal financial assistance, including public school athletics.

“That space is now under direct assault. We must draw a clear line: girls’ sports are for biological girls. SB 5097 is about ensuring fairness and, more importantly, protecting the physical well-being of our young female athletes.”

He added that under the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution, Title IX is the law of the land and supersedes state policy.

“Those who pretend physiological differences don’t matter in contact sports are ignoring decades of scientific fact,” McCune continued. “Due to the basic, irreversible advantages gained through male puberty – including greater bone density, muscle mass, and speed – biological females are put at greater risk of serious injury when they are forced to compete against males. It leads to more concussions and career-ending injuries like knee-ligament tears.

“The state has a moral obligation to protect these young women from avoidable harm, and SB 5097 delivers on that obligation.”

McCune also highlighted the importance of upholding the fundamental right to privacy and dignity for all Washington women and girls, an issue he sees as linked to the erosion of female-only spaces.

“This issue isn’t confined to the playing field. Our girls and women deserve to feel safe and respected in spaces that were established specifically for them, particularly when they are at their most vulnerable,” said McCune. “The security of female locker rooms, restrooms, and showers must be preserved. Allowing men in these intimate spaces strips away the dignity and privacy of our female students.

“I will continue to speak out against any agenda that compromises the rights of girls and women to maintain the secure and private spaces they deserve.”

McCune urged his colleagues in the Senate to reject far-left ideologies and immediately pass SB 5097 when the Legislature reconvenes in January.