The legislation now advances in the Missouri General Assembly process.
The Missouri House moved forward this week with legislation permanently restricting female school sports to biological females, approving a bill that supporters say protects fairness in athletics.
The measure, known as a House Committee Substitute for House Bills 1663, 1607, and 1973, repeals Section 163.048 of Missouri law and replaces it with new statutory language governing participation in athletic competitions. The bill defines sex as the two categories of male and female, determined by reproductive biology and genetics at birth.
Under the proposal, no public school district, charter school, or public or private institution of postsecondary education may allow a student to compete in an athletic competition designated for the opposite biological sex. A student’s biological sex must be reflected on their official birth certificate or other government record if the birth certificate is unobtainable.
The legislation further states that institutions found in violation would not be eligible to receive state aid under the relevant education chapters. It also provides that students who are deprived of athletic opportunities due to a violation may pursue legal action, including injunctive relief and recovery of attorney’s fees.
The bill declares that classification by sex is the only feasible way to promote opportunities for female athletes and asserts that maintaining sex-based distinctions in sports serves a governmental interest in ensuring sufficient athletic opportunities for females.
Earlier versions of Missouri’s protections included sunset provisions. The newly passed measure does not include an expiration date, effectively making the policy permanent if signed into law.
The legislation now advances in the Missouri General Assembly process.
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