Democrats Betray Female Athletes, Bury Commonsense Girls’ Sports Bill Despite Bipartisan Support

Albany, NY — In a victory for commonsense and fairness in athletics, Senator Steve Rhoads’ bill (S.460) to protect girls’ and women’s sports in New York State passed the Senate Education Committee with bipartisan support. But instead of allowing it to move forward for a full Senate vote, Democrat leadership rerouted it to the unrelated Senate Codes Committee—an intentional move to stall and suppress debate.

The bill would prohibit the Commissioner of Education from punishing schools that limit participation on female sports teams to biological females. It’s a simple measure rooted in fairness, safety, and equal opportunity for girls and women.

“The bill’s passage in committee is a victory for commonsense,” said Senator Steve Rhoads, sponsor of S.460. “By failing to rightfully advance this bill to the Senate floor, the Majority is ceding power to the State Education Department and refusing to allow local school districts to decide what’s best for their own student athletes—silencing the voices of parents and putting political ideology ahead of science, safety, and basic fairness in competition. Forcing girls to compete on an uneven playing field with biological males heightens the risk of injury and denies young women opportunities to earn college scholarships, championships, and individual recognition. Female athletes deserve equal opportunity—not the politically-driven social experiments supported by the Senate Majority today.

The fact that this bill passed with bipartisan support yet was referred to the Senate Codes Committee, which focuses on legislation related to criminal law, criminal justice, and related matters, only shows the broad support for this commonsense bill—and how fearful Democrats are that it could actually pass—that they’d rather bury it in a committee that has no jurisdiction. I am calling for immediate consideration of this bill by the full Senate for a vote. It’s time for action—not obstruction.”

“We are not opposed to our citizens being who they want to be, but we can’t allow that to impose on the constitutional protections that so many women and those of us who support them have fought too hard and too long to protect for women’s equality,” said Senator Jim Tedisco, ranking member of the Education Committee. “It’s a shame that this commonsense legislation to protect women’s equality in sports was sidelined in committee and prevented from advancing to the floor of the Senate, where it could be fully debated and voted on by all members.”

“As we nurture and encourage strong, courageous young girls to work hard to achieve their goals, New York State is once again looking to undermine parental rights,” said Senator Alexis Weik, member of the Education and Women's Issues Committees. “There is a clear and undeniable difference in the abilities of biological male athletes in comparison to biological female athletes. As Democrats argue we cannot discriminate, we are in fact discriminating against girls by allowing biological males to participate in female sports.”

“As a member of the NYS Senate Education Committee, I voted in favor of S.460 to protect girls’ sports in New York,” said Senator Bill Weber. “As the father of two girls and two boys, I’ve seen firsthand the differences in physical development. This bill puts protections in place so biological females aren’t denied playing time, scholarship opportunities, or championship victories. We can’t afford to turn back the clock on Title IX. Even if this isn't a widespread issue, if it’s your child affected, it’s the only issue that matters.”

“This commonsense legislation blocked by Senate Democrats would have protected girls’ and women’s sports and ensured a level playing field for biologically female athletes,” said Senator Dan Stec. “Instead, Democrats have once again opted for radical virtue signaling and political theater.”

“As a dad of two daughters, I see the differences in physical capability every day,” added Senator Steve Chan. “This is not about discrimination—it’s about fairness and protecting girls’ opportunities, confidence, and safety.”

New Yorkers expect fairness for our student-athletes. Instead of standing with girls and women, Senate Democrats once again chose political gamesmanship. The Senate Republican Conference remains committed to fighting for fairness and will continue to advance legislation to protect the future of girls' and women's sports in New York State.