Risch Applauds Supreme Court Ruling Upholding Idaho Women’s Sports Case

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho) today released the following statement on the Supreme Court of the United States decision upholding Idaho’s Title IX law protecting women’s sports. “Today’s ruling is a major victory for women, fairness, and the Gem State. Idaho was the first state in the nation to ban biological men from competing in women’s sports and uphold the opportunities Title IX promised more than 50 years ago. The Supreme Court’s decision affirms those protections and the generations of women who fought for fair, equal athletics,” said Risch. “Our daughters and granddaughters deserve an even playing field, and the Supreme Court has delivered.” “This has been an amazing journey. I said from the very beginning that it would end up at the Supreme Court, and when it did, I was privileged enough to sit in that courtroom and listen,” said Idaho State Rep. Barbara Ehardt (R-Idaho Falls), author of Idaho’s Fairness in Women’s Sports Act . “I expected my legislation, and thus Title IX, to be upheld as it should be. Opportunities for girls and women should never be confused with male feelings! I have been so grateful for all of those who have stood with me, especially Senator Risch. He has proceeded to champion this at Congress and that really means so much to me.” Senator Risch has been a leader in preserving fairness in women’s sports and Title IX. Risch led a bicameral amicus brief to the Supreme Court last year in support of Idaho’s law. He has introduced the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act and the Fair Play for Girls Act , and has urged the International Olympic Committee, National Collegiate Athletic Association, Mountain West Conference, and National Governors Association individually to adopt policies that prohibit biological men from participating in women’s sports. ###