Abbott signs women’s sports act

Abbott signs women’s sports act
Abbott signs women’s sports act
Abbott signs women’s sports act

The DHS Cheerleading squad had a great camp in Abilene, bringing home a Blue (Superior) ribbon for being a team who displays strong technique, leads the crowd well and performs with no noticeable mistakes. They also earned the Herkie Team Award, named after the National Cheerleading Association founder, L.R. Herkimer, which is awarded to squads who exemplify the qualities upon which the NCA was founded, including true team spirit, unity and leadership throughout the camp. DHS 2023-24 cheerleaders include Beatriz Lozano, Alexis Quiroz, Braylynn Chavira, Drew Garcia, Isaura Guido, Mia Ramirez, Kennia Silva and Na’Khyah Porras. Gov. Greg Abbott presents the Save Women’s Sports Act recently signed by Abbott and passed during the 88th Regular Legislative Session into law at the Texas Capitol.

Governor Greg Abbott last Thursday signed the Save Women’s Sports Act , Senate Bill 15, passed during the 88th Regular Legislative Session into law at the Texas Capitol.

Authored by Senator Mayes Middleton and Representative Valoree Swanson, the new law will protect the integrity of women’s sports by prohibiting biological men from competing against female athletes at Texas colleges and universities.

Specifically, Senate Bill 15 prohibits a biological male from competing in a collegelevel athletic competition designated for a biological female athlete to maintain competitive fairness. The bill also creates a mechanism for people to seek injunctive relief against a Texas public college or university or intercollegiate athletic team if it violates the provisions of the bill.

“Today is an important day for female athletes across the state of Texas, including little girls who aspire to one day compete in college sports,” said Abbott.

“The Save Women’s Sports Act protects young women at Texas colleges and universities by prohibiting men from competing on a team or as an individual against them in college sports. Sports have inspired many women to cast bold visions and dreams of what they want to achieve. The legacy of women’s sports will be safeguarded for generations to come. Women in Texas can be assured that the integrity of their sports will be protected in our state.”

In 2021, Abbott signed similar legislation to protect girls’ sports in Texas public schools and requiring public school students compete in interscholastic athletic competitions based on biological sex.

Abbott was joined at the bill signing ceremony by Senators Mayes Middleton and Donna Campbell; Representatives Caroline Harris, Tom Oliverson, and Valoree Swanson; former collegiate swimmer Jeri Shanteau; collegiate basketball player Kassidy Comer; powerlifter Jade Dickens; collegiate swimmer Ellie McLeod; collegiate volleyball player Makenna Miller; and other women’s sports advocates.