Gleim, Owlett: U.S. Supreme Court Backs Basic Biology in Groundbreaking Ruling

June 30, 2026

HARRISBURG - The U.S. Supreme Court today echoed the country's overwhelming public position that men should not be permitted to compete alongside girls in sports designated for women only. According to state Reps. Barb Gleim (R-Cumberland) and Clint Owlett (R-Tioga/Bradford), the 6-3 decision and corresponding court opinion also offered an extremely important distinction - that biological sex, not "gender identity," should be the determining and distinguishing factor for separating sports.

The groundbreaking ruling confirms that states have the authority and responsibility to protect female athletes. While Gov. Josh Shapiro and House Democrats constantly dodge and duck the issue, the Supreme Court is confirming that Pennsylvania's governing athletic body, the PIAA (Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association), and local school directors should be compelled to step in and restore sanity.

"We're calling on the PIAA and school boards across the Commonwealth, who have not already acted to protect their girl athletes, to enact policies now," said Owlett. "We are thankful for the nearly two dozen school districts here in Pennsylvania and the 27 states nationwide who have taken seriously protection of our girl athletes."

Protecting girls' sports has long been fought for via House Republican legislation. Gleim's original House Bill 972 of 2021, legislation that would have ensured fairness for girl athletes, passed both chambers of the General Assembly in bipartisan fashion, only to be vetoed by Democrat Gov. Tom Wolf. Several similar bills which have been introduced this session - Senate Bill 9, which passed with bipartisan support; House Bill 1849 and Senate Bill 1293 - have been summarily sidestepped by House Democrats to prevent a vote.

"This is a momentous decision for girls and women who have fought long and hard for fairness in sports," said Gleim. "Because of the Democrats' inaction, the ball is now in the PIAA's court. It's finally time to reinstitute fairness, protect our girl athletes, and affirm biological reality."

Representative Barb Gleim
199th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Scott Little
717-260-6137
[email protected]
RepGleim.com / Facebook.com/RepGleim