This is Part 3 of a series on men competing in women’s sports. You can find Part 1 here and Part 2 here.
Today’s society tends to get caught up in the heat of the news and media while neglecting the underlying worldview problem. Saving women’s sports is an issue with a deeper meaning. With men competing in women’s sports, female athletes are losing scholarships and opportunities and risking injury. This is far beyond an athlete issue. This is a matter of truth, of which more people need to be aware. It is believing the lie that a man can be a woman. It is denying the most foundational and fundamental truth that we have known since the beginning of time: that God created two genders, male and female.
Even without an interest in the world of athletics, one can understand that this issue strikes at the deepest level of societal unity. It is vital that we have a common understanding of what constitutes a human being. Law is a strong teacher, but without a shared set of beliefs our nation will continue to fall into division. The idea that we can determine our own identity leads disordered men to believe they are justified in taking advantage of the relative weakness of women. In rejecting this idea, we should courageously defend the weak through both legislation and individual action. Understanding that this is a deeper issue, there are laws that must be in place in order to protect women’s sports moving forward.
Idaho was the first state to pass Fairness in Women Sports legislation. Since this victory, other states have introduced legislation to prohibit males from competing in the female category. 19 states have signed it into law. Four states where the passed legislation was vetoed got the veto overridden. In Georgia, “state law cedes authority to athletic associations regarding sex-based participation. Georgia High School association passed a policy requiring sports participation based on birth sex.” Unfortunately, in one state the legislation passed, was vetoed by the governor, and the veto was not overridden. This leaves 27 states that still need to pass legislation to protect women’s sports. Nonetheless, 23 states is a victory and there is hope for a bright future ahead. It is encouraging to know that there are representatives, senators, and governors who are committed to the protection of women’s sports and are fighting for female athletes, but the work is far from complete.
It is vital to remember the many female athletes whose dreams have been crushed by men who are stopping at nothing to get what they want. This is a tragedy, and women deserve better. Despite the overwhelming cultural support for this kind of injustice, there are several organizations that are fighting for female athletes and sharing the stories of women who have been victimized by men pretending to be women. Concerned Women for America and ICONS have been supporting the legislation at the state level and giving those female athletes platforms to share their stories. Alliance Defending Freedom is coming alongside women who have competed against male athletes at the legal level, including in Connecticut where this tragedy took place and two high school male athletes have won 15 women’s championships.
The most influential way to fuel change is with personal testimony: when someone has experienced the injustice firsthand and can share how it affected them and why it is such an important cause. Even if you are not an athlete but are still passionate about this issue, stand firm in truth and defend those who need help. Reach out to organizations like Concerned Women for America and see if there is a way for you to be involved. I am grateful to Concerned Women for America for giving me and others the opportunity to testify before the state legislature on this issue; I was honored to speak at the Kentucky State Capitol and Virginia State Capitol. If you have an opportunity to act, I encourage you to do so. Intimidating as it may be, it is important for those at our state capitols to hear from their constituents on why this is crucial for our generation and generations to come. Call your district representatives and encourage them to support this cause. Men competing in women’s sports affects real people and, as a society standing for the objective truth, matters to all of us.
In addition to legislation and individual action, it is vital to bring this issue to the Lord in prayer. Pray for the athletes that have had to compete against males and now live with the long lasting effects. Pray for all of those who advocate for this cause. Pray for the representatives and senators who are standing before their committees and introducing these bills, and for the governors as these bills come across their desk. Pray that all people may find their identity in Christ and be reminded that they are created in the image of God, that they are fearfully and wonderfully made. May truth be revealed in a world that desperately needs it.
I am grateful that there are organizations like Concerned Women for America, ICONS, and Alliance Defending Freedom that are advocating for female athletes. I appreciate the state representatives and senators that have introduced legislation and the governors that have signed bills into law. I am encouraged by those who have spoken out and shared their story such as Riley Gaines, Macy Petty, Paula Scanlan, Payton McNabb, and many others who are committed to fighting this injustice. But the work of protecting women’s sports is far from over. It is time for society to deepen its conviction of truth and affirm the underlying principle that men cannot be women. Stand firm in your convictions and take advantage of opportunities to advocate for this cause. If we do not take a stand today, these disgraceful events that are happening will become a new normal and the concept of truth will be ever fleeting. Join me and protect women’s sports for generations to come.
