Idaho Governor Brad Little has signed an executive order titled the “Defending Women’s Sports Act” to oppose the Biden-Harris administration’s final rule for Title IX. The order directs the Idaho State Board of Education to ensure all public schools in the state are following laws related to fairness in women’s sports and to provide equal opportunities for female students in sports and school. Little stated that it is important to protect and defend women’s sports to maintain a level playing field.
Former collegiate swimmer Riley Gaines, who testified at the press conference, expressed her support for Idaho’s decision not to comply with the new Title IX rules. The Biden administration’s final rule seeks to protect against discrimination based on sex stereotypes, sexual orientation, gender identity, and sex characteristics. However, more than two dozen Republican attorneys general have sued over the rule, arguing that it conflicts with state laws preventing transgender students from participating in women’s sports.
Gaines is currently involved in a lawsuit addressing competing against a biological male at the collegiate level and has testified about her experience. She has joined four other All-American women athletes in filing a lawsuit against the NCAA for allowing transgender athlete Lia Thomas to compete, alleging a violation of Title IX. Little’s executive order is part of the ongoing debate around transgender athletes in women’s sports and seeks to protect the integrity of women’s sports at the state level in Idaho.
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