The Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act, aimed at ensuring fairness for female athletes, faced a setback in the U.S. Senate this week. The legislation, which had already passed the House in January, failed to advance due to a procedural vote. This Act seeks to prevent federally funded sports programs under Title IX from allowing male students to participate in athletic programs designated for women and girls.

Bishop Robert E. Barron and Bishop David M. O’Connell, CM, expressed their views on the matter. "The Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act is commonsense legislation that would ensure fairness for female athletes," they stated.

The bishops emphasized the importance of advocating for equal dignity among men and women as taught by the Catholic Church. They remarked, "This legislation would ensure a level playing field for women and girls to compete in fairness and safety with other females." They further criticized what they see as an ideological promotion of personal identity detached from biological reality, suggesting it undermines human dignity and the educational role of sports.

Bishops Barron and O’Connell reiterated their support for the Act, encouraging female student-athletes nationwide to continue striving for fairness and equality in athletic competitions.