Family Policy Alliance Responds to Ruling on Idaho’s “Fairness in Women’s Sports Act”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 18, 2020
Family Policy Alliance Responds to Ruling on Idaho’s “Fairness in Women’s Sports Act”
While an Idaho judge granted a temporary injunction against the groundbreaking new law, Family Policy Alliance is looking ahead
BOISE, Idaho— Family Policy Alliance – a pro-family ministry – is disappointed but not disheartened in light of an Idaho judge’s decision to temporarily enjoin the “Fairness in Women’s Sports Act.” The groundbreaking new law, championed by Family Policy Alliance since its legislative inception, is designed to ensure that girls’ sports are reserved for biological girls. Without the law, biological males who identify as female could be permitted to compete in the same category as females – placing female athletes at a physical disadvantage. Last night, a federal judge temporarily halted the law’s enforcement – but that’s not the end of the story.
The injunction is only a temporary measure while the lawsuit moves forward. Going forward, the state won’t be alone in defending this important law: the judge also allowed two female athletes, represented by Alliance Defending Freedom, to intervene in favor of the law.
Even as the lawsuit continues in Idaho, Family Policy Alliance will continue to stand for fair sports for girls in Idaho and beyond.
Autumn Leva, Vice President of Strategy for Family Policy Alliance, offered the following statement:
“A young girl should never be placed in the position of losing out on a championship or scholarship simply because a male was allowed to compete in the female sports category. Yet that potential outcome is held in the balance today in Idaho. The eyes of the nation are on Idaho as a federal judge takes steps to decide whether female athletes can count on a fair playing field – or whether years of work to advance female athletic opportunities will be sacrificed on the altar of political correctness. In a court of law, where justice ought to guide the judge’s decisions, we hope the final outcome will uphold fairness. But as we await that decision – and whatever form it ultimately takes – Family Policy Alliance will continue to fight to Save Girls’ Sports wherever we have opportunity. Our daughters are counting on us.”
This summer, Family Policy Alliance launched a nationwide “Save Girls’ Sports” campaign to build awareness around the issue of males competing in female sports. Thousands of individuals have signed the organization’s petition to state lawmakers asking for laws similar to Idaho’s. Many have also signed letters to the NCAA asking that it keep sponsored events in Idaho – even as the ACLU pressures the sports organization to boycott the state over its new law. The NCAA has not yet made a final decision, though one is expected this fall.
As both the lawsuit and the NCAA situation develop, Family Policy Alliance will continue to stand for girls’ sports in Idaho and beyond.
Media Contact:
Robert Noland, (719) 308-2822, Media@FamilyPolicyAlliance.com
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Family Policy Alliance works to advance biblical citizenship and promote good public policy that protects religious freedom, families, and life.