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Senate Education Committee approves ‘Fairness in Women’s Sports Act’ after heated debate
Summary
The Senate Education Committee passed SB 354, the “Fairness in Women’s Sports Act,” following hours of testimony for and against the measure and a 5–3 roll-call. Supporters said the bill protects opportunities for female athletes; opponents warned it would stigmatize and harm transgender youth and raise constitutional concerns.
The Arkansas Senate Education Committee voted to pass SB 354, the “Fairness in Women’s Sports Act,” after more than three hours of testimony and debate that drew attorneys, medical professionals, educators and parents to the committee table.
Sen. Missy Urban, sponsor of the bill, told the committee the measure "preserves the fairness in women's sports by making sure that girls have the ability to compete on a level playing field," and said the bill would prevent biological males from competing in girls' sports and allow students who lose opportunities to pursue a private cause of action.
The bill prompted sharply divergent testimony. Matt Sharp, senior counsel with Alliance Defending Freedom, described out-of-state litigation his firm represents and said,…
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