Transgender females (biological men) will not be able to compete in women’s sports at the collegiate level in Texas thanks to legislation signed by Republican Gov. Greg Abbott on Thursday.
Senate Bill 15 will require all collegiate athletes to participate on sports teams with the gender on their birth certificates. The bill, titled the “Save Women’s Sports Act,” adds to a 2021 bill that had the same rule in place for high school sports.
During the signing ceremony, Abbott rightfully referred to transgender females as “males,” hence the bill that will keep female competition between females. The legislation will also create a pathway for individuals to sue their colleges should they violate this rule, which will become effective on September 1.
"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. “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.”
The situation involving University of Pennsylvania swimmer Lia Thomas has sparked nationwide debate over how to handle these types of situations. Texas is one of 22 states that's taking a firm stand to protect women’s sports at all costs.
