FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 22, 2021
Gov. Noem Should Sign Fairness in Women’s Sports Act – Statement
Craig DeRoche, President and CEO of Family Policy Alliance, offered the following statement about Governor Noem’s decision:
“The NCAA will always take as much power as they’re given. NCAA athletes are fighting back for control, protesting they are #NotNCAAProperty. But in South Dakota, Governor Noem has made the decision to use a ‘style and form’ veto on basic legislation to save girls’ sports. That decision hands over control of the state to the NCAA’s PR-department on a silver platter.
“As the father to three girls in college, high school, and junior high, it is shocking that a governor of a wonderful state like South Dakota would outsource policymaking to the NCAA and weaken enforcement to protect athletes at all levels. It’s even more surprising given that Gov. Noem was herself a female athlete and mom to two female athletes. Instead of weakening the legislature’s protections for female athletes, we should wholeheartedly defend the rights of our girls and women – even if this means we have to fight for them in court.
“South Dakota legislators, Family Heritage Alliance in South Dakota, and legislatures in over half the states are carrying the banner forward for female athletes to ensure they continue to have a level playing field. We hope and pray that Governor Noem reverses course to join them.”
Media Contact:
Robert Noland, (719) 308-2822, Media@FamilyPolicyAlliance.com
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Family Policy Alliance is an alliance-building ministry that advances biblical citizenship and promotes good public policy to protect religious freedom, families, and life.