Authored by Rep. Peggy Scott, R-Andover, HF 12 bans males from participating in female sports and athletic programs that are exclusive to females.
Keeping males out of female-only spaces has become a major theme in the first few weeks of this year’s session of the Minnesota Legislature.
Last month, Republicans in the Minnesota House of Representatives advanced two bills that protect female-only spaces. One would keep men who identify as women out of the state’s only female prison. Another, HF 12, would protect female-only sports.
On Monday, Republicans brought HF 12 to the floor of the House for a full vote.
Authored by Rep. Peggy Scott, R-Andover, HF 12 bans males from participating in female sports and athletic programs that are exclusive to females. The ban applies to all secondary and elementary school athletic programs in Minnesota. Additionally, the bill requires the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) to adopt polices consistent with the ban.
Last month, the bill was advanced out of the House Education Policy Committee on a party-line 7-6 vote.
In anticipation of HF 12 being brought before the full House, legislators and activists from both sides of the debate showed up in force.
At a morning rally, athletes and Republicans gathered on the steps of the Minnesota State Capitol Building to show their support for HF 12. Among them was Riley Gaines, a former NCAA Division I swimmer who has become perhaps the most well-known name in the fight to protect female sports.
“Today’s House vote on House File 12 is going to reveal something for all of us Minnesotans and Americans to see,” said Gaines. “Does your representative believe that women are worthy of privacy in areas of undressing? If they do, then they will be a ‘yes’ vote. Does your representative believe that women are worthy of safety on the court, on the field, or in their everyday lives? Because if they do, they will be a ‘yes’ vote.”
Meanwhile, Democrats, left-wing activists, and private citizens held a press conference to oppose HF 12 and express support for people who identify as transgender. Those who spoke at the press event said HF 12 does not have the votes to pass, wastes valuable time, and violates anti-discrimination law such as the Minnesota Human Rights Act.
“Today’s bill is not just about sports, and it’s not just about kids,” said Kat Rohn, executive director of OutFront Minnesota. “It’s about trying to redefine the role our bodies play in shaping our lives and it’s an invitation to greater scrutiny for all of us who don’t fit neatly into a box. We all deserve the chance to play the sports we love and we all deserve to be ourselves free from scrutiny, bullying, and harassment.”
