In the News
ICYMI: Emmer says as a 'coach and father,' protecting women in sports is critical
Washington,
February 8, 2024
WASHINGTON – Majority Whip Tom Emmer today discussed House Republicans’ commitment to protecting women and girls in sports from being forced to compete against biological males, in an exclusive interview with the Daily Mail. The story came as Whip Emmer partnered with Independent Women’s Forum (IWF) and Concerned Women for America (CWA) to host an event in celebration of National Girls and Women in Sports Day. In case you missed it… Whip Tom Emmer says as a 'coach and father' protecting women in sports against 'insanity' of males competing with them is critical: Republicans join forces with ex-athlete Riley Gaines who says she's been 'betrayed' by Democrats House Republican Whip Tom Emmer says protecting women in sports is critical and called it 'insanity' that biological males have been allowed to compete with females. The Minnesota father of seven - including a daughter who played sports - told DailyMail.com that he won't stop fighting for fairness on the field during an exclusive interview. The top lawmaker said that despite House Republicans having their hands full with impeachment, foreign aid funding, border security and more, constituents also really want to see their daughters given an equal chance on the court, field or track. 'We never should have had to deal with this. But [it's] insanity that men should be allowed to compete in women's sports.' Emmer, who coached a co-ed hockey team for over 20 years, said boys and girls 'didn't get dressed in the same locker room, but they could play together' until puberty. 'But they hit a certain age and they separate because again, women need to have their own opportunities, but also the chance for injury and it just it increases dramatically.' Emmer and a group of other members and activists gathered on Capitol Hill Wednesday to celebrate National Girls and Women in Sports Day. The event featured women who were forced to compete against biological males in crucial competitions and championships they often trained years for. Riley Gaines, ex-college swimmer and Independent Women's Forum Ambassador, spoke exclusively with DailyMail.com about how she feels 'betrayed' by Democrats. 'I feel betrayed by that party. I feel belittled, I feel demeaned. I feel mocked by what the Democrats are doing and how they're they're treating women.' 'There's a legitimate fear that the integrity of sports is lost entirely, not even just women's sports, the integrity of sports.' 'Because the beauty of sports lies in a foundation of fairness. And that's just being dismantled at the moment,' Gaines continued. Gaines famously competed against Lia Thomas, a biological male who identifies as female, who swept the 2022 NCAA swimming championships. Emmer and House GOP leadership have been great partners in protecting women's sports, Gaines told DailyMail.com. 'He's been a real leader on this,' she said, adding, 'he was an athlete, his kids and daughter who were athletes, I believe he was a coach at a point, so you know, he has skin in the game.' Last April, the House passed The Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act along party lines. The bill, according to the release, 'ensures that biological females compete against other biological females in women's competitive sports that are funded through Title IX.' Gaines celebrated the bill, calling it 'crucial to not just protect K through 12 but protect the most elite levels like the Olympics.' 'Those girls deserve to compete fairly just as much as any other female athlete.' During USA Volleyball junior qualifiers, Macy Petty, an NCAA volleyball player and YWA Ambassador, was forced to compete against a male athlete identifying as female. Petty, who joined Emmer at the Wednesday event, also told DailyMail.com that significant strides have been made recently by Republicans to protect female athletes have been critical. 'I am honored to join Majority Whip Emmer to recognize female athletes, many of whom feel forsaken by their schools and the NCAA that are putting the safety and opportunity to compete on an equal playing field at risk to cater to the desires of a few,' she said. 'We hope to continue to advance women's sports and women's right by challenging policies that allow men to invade our spaces and our competition.' ### |