SW Minnesota Today

The Minnesota Supreme Court has ruled that biological males are allowed to compete in female athletics, a decision that has drawn criticism from Rep. Chris Swedzinski, R-Ghent. Swedzinski argued that the ruling could compromise the safety of girls and the fairness of competition.

Earlier this year, House Republicans introduced two bills aimed at protecting female athletes and ensuring fair play in school sports. The Preserving Girls Sports Act (H.F. 12) proposed that only female students be permitted to participate in sports designated for women or girls. According to Swedzinski, public opinion polls indicate about 80 percent support for this position.

“Our state is hurting our girls’ ability to compete safely and on a level playing field,” Swedzinski said. “Common sense and the public majority say biological males shouldn’t be in girls’ sports. This court ruling raises serious issues of fairness and safety and highlights just how important it is we clarify state law to stop this from happening.”

Swedzinski referenced reports of injuries among girls competing against biological males in women's sports, including concussions and lost teeth. He also cited a United Nations report indicating that female athletes worldwide have lost nearly 900 medals to transgender men participating in their events.

In March, House Republicans attempted to advance the Preserving Girls Sports Act, but House Democrats opposed it, leading Republicans to table the bill for potential consideration during the 2026 session along with H.F. 1233.

The Supreme Court’s decision was issued in Cooper v. USA Powerlifting, where it found that USA Powerlifting had discriminated against a transgender athlete by barring her from women’s competitions under the Human Rights Act. The case was remanded to a lower court for further consideration regarding whether "competitive fairness" could serve as an exception.