Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signed legislation that extended the state’s prohibition on male-born athletes competing in female collegiate sports.

The Republican, flanked by female athletes and state legislators, signed Senate Bill 15 which adds to the 2021 state law that prohibits biological males from taking part in sports for girls in public K-12 schools.

Mr. Abbott stated that today was a significant day for female athletes in Texas, especially little girls who hope to compete one day in college sports. The Save Women’s Sports Act in Texas protects women by prohibiting male athletes from competing against them as a team, or individually.

The 11-time All American swimmer Jeri Shateau, former Midwestern State University Basketball player Kassidycomer, Texas powerlifter Jade Dickens, University of Texas Swimmer Ellie McLeod and University of Texas Volleyball player Makenna Millett were also present.

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Mr. Abbott stated that “sports has inspired many women with bold visions and dreams about what they want achieve.” The legacy of women’s sport will be preserved for future generations. “Women in Texas can rest assured that their sports’ integrity will be protected by our state.”

The law, which takes effect on Sept. 1, offers whistleblower protection to those who report violations. The bill creates an avenue for individuals who want to sue universities and colleges that allow male athletes to compete in female teams, even if they are born as women.

The Alliance Defending Freedom cheered the bill signing. They represent “college athletes from across the country, who experienced disappointment and losses when men were allowed to compete in women’s sports.”

Christiana Kiefer is the senior counsel for the Alliance. She said: “Since NCAA refuses fairness to female athletes, the states must ensure that women in college are afforded the same athletic opportunities as they had in high school.”

The NCAA Board of Governors announced in January 2021 that it would defer on the transgender-eligibility issue to national sports governing bodies amid the uproar over Lia Thomas, the University of Pennsylvania swimmer who became the first male-born athlete to win a Division I women’s title.

The Texas Freedom Network slammed the bill as “yet a harmful attack by anti-LGBTQ legislators on transgender Texans’ right to be embraced and accepted, as well as able to flourish.”

Marti Bier, vice president of programming at the network, said that trans athletes are no different from their peers in terms of ability and body type. Factors such as training, conditioning and dedication determine athletic performance. “Texas student-athletes are talented and deserve to be able to express themselves fully on the court and field.”

The bill passed the Republican-controlled Senate with no Democrat votes. The bill was supported by 12 Democrats in the GOP-led House.

According to the American Principles Project, 22 states have laws that prohibit male-born athletes from participating in female sports at secondary school or college or both.