BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) – Governor Little has signed the Defending Women’s Sports Act, an executive order designed to prevent the Biden administration from overhauling Title IX.
Title IX was enacted in 1972 to ensure fairness in women’s sports. Governor Little is the first governor to sign a bill opposing the Biden administration’s rewrite.
The Idaho Governor’s office said in a press release:
“Biological males – men and boys – have physical differences that give them an unfair advantage when competing in sports with women and girls. Female athletes work so hard to get better at their chosen sport. Some of them started playing sports as toddlers. 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 committed to women’s safety, privacy and equal opportunity. I’m grateful she has come to Idaho to support our efforts.”
Governor Little’s order directs the Idaho State Board of Education:
- Work with the state Department of Education to ensure that Idaho public schools comply with all Idaho laws regarding fairness in women’s sports, and continue to educate all public schools on evolving legal challenges regarding the new Title IX rules.
- Ensure that all Idaho students are afforded the greatest possible equality of opportunity in athletics and education, as guaranteed to them under the original Title IX rules and Idaho law.
The executive order can be found at this link: https://gov.idaho.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/eo-2024-08.pdf
“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 that women’s sports are for women. This is what it looks like to stand with women, and I hope every governor does the same!” Gaines said.