Senate File 0051, which would have banned transgender athletes from competing in women’s sports, did not pass at the Wyoming House of Representatives review committee.
SF 0051, The Fairness in Women’s Sports Act, was not introduced to the House Education Committee by the Friday, Mar 4, deadline.
Representatives had tried to motion for the bill to be brought to the House Committee that same Friday, as well as Monday, Mar 7, but both failed.
Sponsor Senator Wendy Schular, the main sponsor of the bill, said the recent development is “unfortunate” and that it is a possibility she will continue to work on the bill.
“I would consider bringing it back if it still has support from constituents,” Schular said. “I would probably try to do more legwork if I do.”
Schular, according to The Cowboy Daily, sourced two proponents for the bill. The first is Title IX, introduced in 1972, which finally permits female focussed athletes. The second is Lias Thomas, a Penn State transgender swimmer breaking NCAA records.
Prior to SF0051 not passing, Schular, according to WPR, said “Let’s keep it fair for our biological girls and women, let’s let them continue to have the same opportunities that I was denied years ago, but I finally got, and now they should continue to have those.”
For those in opposition to the bill like the American Civil Liberties Union of Wyoming, SF0051 not passing is a victory.
“This bill violates both the United States Constitution and Title IX of the Civil Rights Act, which protects all students, including those who are transgender, from discrimination based on sex,” ACLU said.
The Senate Education Committee initially passed the Fairness in Women’s Sports Act with a 25-4 introductory vote that moved it to the Wyoming Senate floor.
On Mar 2, the Senate cleared the bill in a 24-5 vote.
