Minnesota Senate Bill SF2294

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/10/25
• Refer: 3/10/25

Caption

Male participation in female athletics restriction provision, male access to female changing facilities restriction provision, and criminal penalties provision

Impact

The bill significantly modifies existing statutes governing athletic participation and access to communal facilities in educational settings. By codifying restrictions based on biological sex, SF2294 aims to protect the athletic opportunities of females in educational institutions. This approach is intended to promote fairness in competition and to ensure that female athletes do not face disadvantages due to participation by male athletes in their sports activities.

Summary

SF2294 is a legislative bill from Minnesota that seeks to restrict male participation in female athletic teams and access to female changing facilities. Specifically, the bill stipulates that male students are prohibited from trying out for or participating on female-only athletic teams, with violators facing criminal penalties classified as petty misdemeanors. The bill also defines 'male' as a person with a heterogametic sex chromosome pair, thus setting a biological criterion for participation in sports and use of facilities.

Contention

The proposed legislation has stirred considerable debate, with proponents arguing that it provides necessary protections for female athletes and ensures a level playing field in sports. They cite concerns about the perceived advantages that male participants may have in female competitions. Conversely, opponents of the bill argue that such measures are discriminatory and fail to acknowledge the complexities surrounding gender identity, particularly for transgender individuals. This contention reflects broader societal debates about gender, equity, and inclusion in athletics and educational environments.