The following article has been submitted by the office of District 7A Delegate Kathy Szeliga about her bill HB156, Fairness in Girls’ Sports
Maryland voters have spoken: they overwhelmingly support protecting women’s sports by ensuring only biological girls compete against other girls.
“Competitive sports allow girls to earn scholarships, set records, and achieve their dreams,” said Delegate Kathy Szeliga, who introduced HB156.
“But fairness and safety are jeopardized when biological boys are allowed to participate in elite competitions. We’ve watched girls lose spots on the podium, medals, and even opportunities for collegiate athletics because biological men have taken their place.”
HB156, Fairness in Girls’ Sports, introduced by Delegate Szeliga, will have a hearing on Wednesday, Jan. 29. Unfortunately, the Ways and Means Committee has limited this bill hearing to sponsor only, which
blocks the public from testifying in person. Senator Mary Beth Carozza plans to introduce a companion bill in the Senate soon.
A recent Gonzales Research poll, commissioned by the Maryland Freedom Caucus, shows overwhelming support for fairness in girls’ sports. A striking 76 percent of Maryland voters oppose allowing biological males to compete on girls’ JV and Varsity teams, with 67 percent strongly opposed. This support transcends party lines, with 96 percent of Republicans, 81 percent of independents, and even 65 percent of Democrats in agreement. Notably, 83 percent of African Americans also support protecting fairness in girls’ sports.
“This isn’t about politics—it’s about common sense,” said Delegate Lauren Arikan, a co-sponsor of HB156. “Girls deserve a level playing field, and these poll numbers show that Marylanders, regardless of party affiliation, stand behind protecting the integrity of girls’ sports.”
The Save Women’s Sports movement has gained widespread support from organizations such as the Women’s Liberation Front (WOLF), Independent Women’s Forum, the Independent Council on Women’s Sports (ICONS), and others fighting to safeguard fairness and opportunity in women’s athletics. This effort is part of a nationwide movement, with nearly every state introducing similar legislation and at least 24 states successfully passing laws to ensure fairness in K-12 and collegiate sports.
“Fairness, opportunity, and safety are the foundation of empowering young women in sports,” Szeliga added. “This bill is about preserving the hard-earned achievements of women and girls who deserve a level playing field. Marylanders agree—it’s time to act.”