John Braun: Legislators Must Stand Up for Fair Competition in Women’s Sports

Washington State Senator John Braun is urging lawmakers to protect fairness in girls’ sports by ensuring only biological females can compete in female athletic events. Citing a recent local poll showing 84% opposition to allowing biological boys in girls’ sports, Braun criticized legislative inaction on Senate Bill 5097, which would establish competitiveness rules and allow hormone-level checks to prevent unfair advantages. He also pushed back against Senate Bill 5180, which he says undermines parental rights and removes decision-making from the state’s athletic association. Braun emphasized the importance of Title IX in expanding opportunities for female athletes and called on legislators to uphold those protections for future generations.