Minn. education committee hears hours of testimony on bill to limit girls' sports to biological females

The House Education Policy Committee on Feb. 19 heard hours of testimony on House File 12, a bill by Representative Scott that would require female-designated elementary and secondary school athletic teams to be limited to biological females.

The measure was amended by the committee's adoption of the DE10 amendment before public testimony and discussion; committee members approved minutes from the Feb. 18 meeting earlier in the session. The committee did not vote on final passage and recessed for caucus at the end of the day.

Supporters of HF 12 told the committee the change is needed to preserve girls' opportunities and safety in athletics. Renee Carlson, general counsel for True North Legal, invoked Title IX and Minnesota statute Chapter 121A, saying "girls' sports are a remarkable American success story in Minnesota and across the country" and arguing the Minnesota State High School League's policy…