Minnesota Senate Bill SF934

Minnesota 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/30/23
• Refer: 1/30/23

Caption

Male student participation in female athletics restriction; male access to female changing facilities restriction; criminal establishment

Impact

If enacted, SF934 will significantly alter the landscape of educational sporting environments in Minnesota. The bill aligns athletic competition with state roles on gender, explicitly barring male students from competing on female teams. It aims to reinforce the notion of single-sex athletics based on biological sex, which proponents argue is necessary for fair competition and to protect female athletes' opportunities.

Summary

SF934 seeks to restrict male students from participating in female athletics and gaining access to female changing facilities in Minnesota. The bill defines 'male' as a person possessing a heterogametic sex chromosome pair, establishing clear delineations between male and female athletes. Furthermore, it proposes that any male student participating on a female-only team would be guilty of a petty misdemeanor, reflecting the bill's strict approach towards gender classification in educational athletics.

Contention

The introduction of this legislation has sparked considerable debate among legislators, educators, and advocacy groups. Proponents argue that SF934 is essential for ensuring that female athletes have equal opportunities and protections in competitive sports. Conversely, opponents contend that the bill discriminates against transgender and non-binary individuals, and could exclude many from participating in sports that align with their gender identity. This aspect of the bill, particularly the criminal penalties for violations, has been pointed out as a source of potential litigation and further controversy.