U.S. Sens. Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) and Katie Britt (R-Montgomery) are continuing the fight against biological men competing in women’s sports.
Both senators endorsed a letter from U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) that was sent to NCAA President Charlie Baker, calling on him to make changes to the organization’s rule book when it comes to fairness in women’s sports.
“While men may have inherent athletic advantages, they have no advantage over women in their level of passion, drive, or desire to compete,” Blackburn said. “The very bedrock of sport is the exhibition of a commitment to excellence, grace under pressure, and fair play among competitors — all of which is threatened absent an even playing field.”
Men competing in women’s sports has been an issue in recent weeks because of the controversy involving male athletes boxing in the female competition at the Olympic Games in Paris.
“Women deserve that even playing field and chance to compete, one that can only be achieved by ensuring that only females compete in women’s sports,” Blackburn continued in the letter. “We urge you to follow the lead of the NAIA and the Court of Arbitration for Sport and adopt policies that protect women’s sports.”
Blackburn’s letter is also a response to the Biden administration’s change to Title IX, adding “gender identity” to the definition of discrimination.
Tuberville joined nearly two dozen senators in endorsing the letter.
“Men don’t belong in women’s sports,” Tuberville said. “It’s unsafe, it’s unfair, and it’s just plain WRONG. I’m glad to join [Marsha Blackburn] in demanding the [NCAA] update their policies to ensure that only WOMEN compete in women’s sports.”
Men don’t belong in women’s sports.
It’s unsafe, it’s unfair, and it’s just plain WRONG.
I’m glad to join @MarshaBlackburn in demanding the @NCAA update their policies to ensure that only WOMEN compete in women’s sports.https://t.co/Od3XZMAIHF
— Coach Tommy Tuberville (@SenTuberville) August 6, 2024
Tuberville has introduced the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act, which would ensure both Title IX protection for female athletes and fair, safe competition in women’s sports throughout the United States.
Britt also supported Blackburn’s effort, arguing it’s about fairness and safety.
“For fairness and for safety—only women should compete in women’s sports,” Britt said. “The NCAA must adopt policies that protect female student-athletes and ensure women’s sports continue to provide opportunity for future generations of women and girls.”
For fairness and for safety—only women should compete in women’s sports.
The NCAA must adopt policies that protect female student-athletes and ensure women’s sports continue to provide opportunity for future generations of women and girls.https://t.co/oLUxQfAWUT
— Senator Katie Boyd Britt (@SenKatieBritt) August 6, 2024
Yaffee is a contributing writer to Yellowhammer News and hosts “The Yaffee Program” weekdays 9-11 a.m. on WVNN. You can follow him on X @Yaffee
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