Sen. Baker Votes to Protect Fairness in Women’s Sports

HARRISBURG - Today, Senator Lisa Baker (R-20^th) voted in support of legislation aimed at protecting the safety and competitive opportunities of female athletes by requiring scholastic sports teams to be designated based on biological sex.

Senate Bill 1293 would require public schools and colleges to classify sports teams as male, female, or coed. Under the bill, only biological females would be eligible to participate on teams designated for women. It also provides a legal avenue for students who are harmed by violations of the policy.

Since 2020 in Pennsylvania, male athletes have finished in first place ahead of female competitors 87 times, and in second or third place 64 times. Nationally, there have also been documented cases of biological male competitors causing serious injuries to female athletes.

"This legislation is about preserving fairness in women's sports and standing up for the next generation of female athletes," Baker said. "Every female athlete deserves a level playing field and the opportunity to compete fairly. This measure helps ensure equal opportunity for all girls and women."

The legislation is similar to Senate Bill 9, which was passed by the Senate in May 2025 with bipartisan support. Since then, Senate Bill 9 has been delayed by procedural maneuvers by Democrat leaders in the House of Representatives, leaving young female athletes at risk.

Recently, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) enacted new policy guidelines ensuring that all sporting events under their jurisdiction for any female category are limited to biological females only. Additionally, the IOC provided that after scientific review, they determined a sex-based eligibility rule is necessary and adequate to the attainment of their goals for competition.

The legislation will be sent to the House of Representatives for consideration.

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