**Minnesota House Rejects “Preserving Girls’ Sports Act” Following Trump’s Executive Order**
The Minnesota House did not pass the “Preserving Girls’ Sports Act” just weeks after President Donald Trump issued an executive order prohibiting biological males from competing in women’s and girls’ sports. The bill, known as HF12, required 68 votes for approval but fell short with 67 in favor and 66 against. The proposed act specified that “only female students may participate in an elementary or secondary school level athletic team or sport that an educational institution has restricted to women and girls.” It defined “female” as determined by genetics and related to an individual’s reproductive system.
Supporters and opponents gathered at the Capitol, awaiting the final vote, which followed an emotional discussion among House members. Republican state Rep. Peggy Scott, the bill’s sponsor, expressed concerns about the safety and fairness for girls in sports. “We cannot allow our girls to be vulnerable to losing their spot on the team, being on the podium, or to injury by a male teammate or male competitor,” she stated. Republican state Rep. Marion Rarick also voiced support, citing a 2024 United Nations report on violence against women and girls, emphasizing that many are afraid to compete against biological males.
Opponents of the bill highlighted issues of discrimination against transgender individuals. Democratic state Rep. Brion Curran, chair of the Minnesota Queer Legislators Caucus, argued that “all children deserve to play” and condemned the anti-trans rhetoric. Democratic state Rep. Liish Kozlowski described the act as a means to “bully trans girls and non-binary kids.”
Meanwhile, the Senate voted on a similar bill banning transgender athletes from competing in women’s sports, which also failed to secure the necessary 60 votes, indicating at least seven Democrats did not support it. Trump’s recent executive order directed the Education Department to inform educational institutions that requiring girls and women to compete with transgender females violates Title IX. Following this order, the NCAA updated its policy on transgender athletes in women’s sports, though the changes have sparked controversy.
Despite the executive order, the Minnesota State High School League announced it would continue to allow transgender athletes to participate in girls’ sports, citing the Minnesota Human Rights Act and the state constitution as grounds for their eligibility. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi issued a warning last month regarding the implications of not passing the “Preserving Girls’ Sports Act.
