State Senator Andrew S. Chesney | Illinois General Assembly
State Senator Andrew S. Chesney | Illinois General Assembly
State Senator Andrew Chesney, along with his Republican colleagues in both the Senate and House, has reached out to the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) seeking clarity on its stance regarding the participation of biological males in women's sports. The inquiry is in response to an executive order issued by President Trump prohibiting such participation.
Senator Chesney expressed concerns about fairness and safety in women's sports, stating, "Biological males have undeniable physical advantages, including higher muscle mass, which gives them an inherent edge over females in sports that rely on strength, endurance, and speed." He emphasized that allowing biological males to compete could limit opportunities for female athletes.
The letter from Republican lawmakers seeks assurance from IHSA that it will adhere to federal directives aimed at maintaining fairness by protecting single-sex sports for women. The recent federal guidelines prohibit participation based on gender identity if it conflicts with birth sex.
President Trump's executive order dated February 5, 2025, asserts a policy to withdraw funding from educational programs that fail to provide fair athletic opportunities for women and girls. It further opposes male participation in women's sports citing concerns over safety and fairness.
Chesney highlighted the case of Lia Thomas, a transgender swimmer who won a national championship in the NCAA Division I women's 500-yard freestyle event. This incident has fueled debate about inclusion policies at competitive levels. Chesney remarked, "We can’t say we are providing women with equal opportunities when we allow men to dominate in women’s sports."
Senator Chesney awaits IHSA's response on this matter.
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