BOISE, Idaho (CBS2) — Competitive swimmer and women’s sports activist Riley Gaines is in Idaho to support Governor Little on a new executive order, the Defending Women’s Sports Act.
Governor Little signed the executive order, the first in the country, in response to changes to Title IX by the Biden-Harris administration. The Biden-Harris administration recently overhauled Title IX at the federal level with a 1,500-page rewrite. Governor Little’s office says many of these changes represent a “radical redefinition of gender in the new 1,500-page rewrite of Title IX rules.”
Title IX was originally passed in 1972 to ensure fairness for female athletes.
Biological males – men and boys – have physical differences that give them an unfair advantage when competing with women and girls in sports. Female athletes work so hard to get better at their chosen sport. Some of them have been playing sports since they were children. These girls and women and their families dedicate their time, passion and money to hone their skills and compete to win. They deserve a level playing field. That’s why it’s so important for us as a state to do everything we can to protect and defend women’s sports,” said Governor Little. “Riley Gaines is a leader who defends women’s sports, advocates for equality and fairness, and is a champion for women’s safety, privacy and equal opportunity. I’m grateful that she has come to Idaho to support our efforts.
Riley Gaines, a competitive swimmer and frequent guest on national news programs as an advocate for women’s sports, was present with Governor Little at the signing.
By signing this Executive Order, Governor Little is standing up against the Biden-Harris administration’s overhaul of Title IX, which is an attack on women’s gender-based rights. This decisive action will prevent unjust gender discrimination, save women’s sports, and protect the privacy of Idaho’s women and girls. Today’s Executive Order is also possible thanks to Rep. Barbara Erhardt’s courageous leadership to protect women’s sports in Idaho. Idaho is fortunate to have such incredible leaders who are not afraid to say women’s sports are for women. This is what it looks like to stand with women, and I hope every governor does the same!” said Gaines.
Click here to read Governor Little’s executive order.
