Vermont Senate adopts resolution urging gender-inclusive Nordic combined Olympic competition
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Summary
The Vermont Senate adopted JRS 37, a joint resolution expressing support for gender equality in Nordic combined and urging international governing bodies, including the International Olympic Committee, to adopt gender-inclusive competition; the measure was amended in committee and messaged to the House.
The Vermont Senate adopted JRS 37 on a voice vote, a joint resolution expressing support for long-overdue gender equality in Nordic combined Olympic competition and urging international governing bodies to adopt gender-inclusive formats.
Senator Rahm Hinsdale, reporting for the Committee on Economic Development, said the committee adopted two amendments and recommended the resolution for passage. "The resolution specifically highlights Vermonter, Tara Verity Moats, whose world class achievements underscore both the talent of women in the sport and the detriment of continued exclusion," Hinsdale said, and noted that the resolution directs the secretary of state to transmit the text to relevant international governing bodies.
An unnamed senator who rose in support said the measure advances fairness and Olympic principles. "Equal opportunity means providing women the same chance to compete in events they have earned through performance," the senator said, adding a personal note: "I can't imagine telling my two daughters they can't compete in Olympics because they are women."
Senate members voted by voice to amend the resolution as recommended by committee and then, after a third reading, adopted JRS 37 by voice vote. The committee had reported a committee vote of 4–0–1 in favor of the amended text. The sponsor asked that the passage be messaged to the House forthwith; the Senate approved that motion by voice vote.
The committee amendments named Vermont's female Winter Olympic medalists explicitly and broadened the resolution's advocacy to encourage gender equality across future Olympic events rather than addressing a single competition in isolation. The report noted timing as a reason to accelerate consideration, pointing to the upcoming Winter Olympic opening ceremony in Milan, Italy.
JRS 37 is a nonbinding legislative expression of support and directs the secretary of state to transmit the resolution to international organizations; it does not itself change Olympic policy. The Senate adjourned after routine readings and scheduling announcements; the resolution has been messaged to the House for its consideration.
What happens next: The House will receive the Senate message on JRS 37; any further action would be taken by the House or by the international bodies referenced in the resolution.
