Governor Kevin Stitt signed SB2, the Save Women’s Sports Act, into law today. Click here to watch the full bill signing ceremony.
Full remarks:
Good morning.
First, I want to recognize and thank the female athletes who are here today.
Thank you for your courage.
I want to give a special shout out to my daughter behind me.
Piper, proud of you.
These talented, hardworking young women are the reason we are here.
This bill – the Save Women’s Sports Act – is common sense.
I want to acknowledge my colleagues in the Legislature for getting this to my desk.
And everyone here who worked on this bill – thank you.
When it comes to sports and athletics, girls should compete against girls.
Boys should compete against boys.
And let’s be very clear: That’s all this bill says.
It says: Athletic teams designated for “females,” “women” or “girls” shall not be open to students of the male sex.
And what we are trying to accomplish here is very simple.
We are protecting women’s sports.
We are ensuring a level playing field for female athletes who work hard -
Who train hard -
Who are committed to their team -
Who have dreams to be Number One in their sport -
Who deserve a fair competition.
The reality is: Men are biologically different than women.
Men have more muscle mass, their bones are larger and denser, they have larger lungs and wider airways.
These are physical advantages men have over women on the field, in the pool, on the track or on the court.
So how is it fair for a female track athlete, or swimmer, who has been training since she was 12 years old to lose in high school to a biological male?
It’s not.
It’s just not fair.
And it will not happen in Oklahoma.
In Oklahoma, we stand with female athletes.
In Oklahoma, we will protect women’s sports.
I am proud to sign the Save Women’s Sports Act into law today.
Senator Julie Daniels and Senator Micheal Bergstrom, as well as Rep. Toni Hasenbeck and Rep. Sheila Dills, are here today on behalf of the Legislature.
I want to give them a chance to speak before we take questions.