UP Gazette

State Representatives Greg Markkanen and Dave Prestin have voted in favor of legislation aimed at safeguarding women's sports in Michigan. The proposed House Bills 4066 and 4469 seek to prevent biological males from participating in girls' high school sports and aim to incorporate Title IX protections into the Michigan Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act.

Markkanen, representing Hancock, expressed his support for the bills by stating, “Men cannot magically become women just like men should not magically become gold medalists because they found their so-called ‘true identity’ – just so long as that identity lands them at the peak of athletic achievement.” He emphasized his commitment to science and fairness by voting to maintain an equal playing field for female athletes. "If a man wants to be a better athlete, he should practice harder, not start swinging at girls," he added.

Prestin, representing Cedar River, shared his personal perspective by reflecting on his daughter's dedication to sports during her upbringing. “I watched as my daughter poured her heart into sports growing up,” he said. He argued against allowing biological males in girls' sports, saying it undermines decades of progress made towards equality for women in athletics. "We need to protect our female athletes, whether in grade school or the highest levels of competition," Prestin asserted.

The bills received bipartisan support in the House and will now proceed to the Senate for further deliberation.