State Representative Alicia St. Germaine, R-Harrison Township, spoke at a press conference today with fellow Republican women to denounce the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) for allowing males to participate in female sports.

“The bi-partisan resolution we passed yesterday was not anti-anything; it was pro-female athlete,” said St. Germaine. “Regardless of gender identity, the biological differences between males and females are undeniable. It’s just that simple, yet female athletes are still being treated less favorably than male athletes at every turn. Our daughters should not be dismissed of opportunities, placings, finals, podiums, prizes, or financial rewards. Girls have the right to fair, safe, sex-separated sports experiences.”

House Resolution 40, which passed in a House floor vote on Wednesday, calls on the MHSAA to align their eligibility rules with the federal order, Executive Order 14201, to keep the integrity of competition and safety for our female athletes. The MHSAA had delayed changing their policies to comply with Executive Order 14201.

“As a former athlete and the mother of a state and high school champion swimmer, I have first-hand experience with the sacrifices and dedication required to succeed,” said St. Germaine. “My daughter holds the 500-freestyle freshman record, and she earned it! That record was 10 years ago, and it would be disheartening to see a boy given the chance to break that. It is unacceptable to compromise the hard-earned achievements of girl athletes, and I firmly believe that we are on the right side of history advocating for their rights. This is a moment to stand up and fight for all of our daughter’s dreams.”