Gov. Parson urged to sign laws protecting female athletes and children

Two Missouri bills banning biological men from participating in women’s sports are awaiting signatures by Gov. Mike Parson. The legislation protects female sports at the K-12 and college level while also creating safeguards for children from the harmful and irreversible effects of gender reassignment surgery and dangerous hormone therapies.

Concerned Women for America of Missouri (CWA) applauded the legislature for passage and is urging Parson to sign the bills into law. The bill protecting children passed 108-50. Only three Republicans joined every Democrat in opposition. The bill banning biological men from competing in women’s teams passed 109-49.

Rep. Jamie Burger, R-Benton, said the legislation was a way to safeguard female athletes from biological men competing as women.

“Biological males are bigger, they are stronger and they are faster,” he stated. “The majority of women simply cannot compete.”

Parson said he would call a special session if the bills did not arrive on his desk before the legislative recess. Now, organizations are calling for his signature.

“We urge Gov. Mike Parson to sign both bills to show his support for fair competition and equality for all female athletes participating in female sports teams in Missouri and to show support in protecting minors who struggle with gender identity,” CWA said in a statement.

CWA says that state lawmakers understand biological females who train and work hard to excel in their chosen sport, strive for college scholarships, and compete on a fair playing field should not suffer the loss of those opportunities because a biological male who claims transgender status as a woman receives her spot.

CWA of Missouri State Director Tracy Dougan believes legislators understand children struggling with gender identity should be treated with compassion but also protected from unethical medical interventions that ignore underlying causes, impede natural maturation, and reject long-term health and well-being.

“I am thrilled the Missouri General Assembly has passed both SB 39 and SB 49 today,” Dougan stated.  “It has been a hard-fought victory, and I cannot thank our supporting legislators and CWA of Missouri team and members enough for seeing this through.”

Dougan said that CWA of Missouri has worked hard over the past few years to educate our members and the public about the attack on girls’ sports and our children. SB 39 ensures that female athletes will continue to be afforded the opportunity to compete on a level playing field.

“With the passage of SB 49, our children will now be protected from irreversible surgeries and radical treatment involving unverified medical interventions.,” Dougan says. “This is a win for the girls and the children of Missouri.”

–Dwight Widaman | Metro Voice