A group of powerful Republicans in both the Georgia House and Senate are moving forward with their commitment to protect women’s sports with the introduction of two bills. Sen. Greg Dolezal, R–Cumming, recently introduced SB 1, the “Fair and Safe Athletic Opportunities” Act, which he says would provide competitively fair and safe student participation in sports. And Rep. Brent Cox, R-Dawsonville, has introduced HB 104, the Equal Athletic Opportunities Act.
Both bills would prohibit male students from participating in athletic activities and events designated for female students and vice versa – requiring athletes to participate on teams that align with their biological sex at birth.
“This summer, I had the privilege of serving as Chairman of the Georgia Senate Special Committee on the Protection of Women’s Sports,” said Dolezal. “As the father of three daughters, I take this issue to heart. Female athletes have worked tirelessly to earn their place in competition, and they deserve a level playing field. Ideologically driven policies that undermine the fairness in women’s sports have no place in Georgia.
“Our committee dedicated countless hours to thoroughly studying this issue, and I’m proud to say the Majority Caucuses in both the Senate and House stand firmly united in protecting these opportunities for women and girls,” Dolezal added. “I am confident this legislation will move swiftly through the General Assembly and deliver the protection female athletes deserve.”
Lt. Gov. Burt Jones has expressed his support for the legislation.
“Biological men do not belong in women’s sports, period,” said Lt. Governor Burt Jones. “This is common sense to everyone but the most radical liberals in Georgia. The Senate has always led the way on protecting women’s sports and with Senate Bill 1, we will continue to be on the right side of this common-sense issue. I will never waver in the fight to protect our sisters and our daughters participating on equal footing in Georgia sports. I look forward to Senate Bill 1 becoming law and the protection of women’s sports becoming a reality for all female athletes in Georgia.”
SB 1 comes out of recommendations made by the Senate Special Committee on the Protection of Women’s Sports – which met several times during the off-session.
