Arizona GOP Leaders Take a Stand for Girls’ Sports at the U.S. Supreme Court

By Daniel Stefanski |

Arizona Republicans are intensifying efforts to uphold the integrity of women’s sports. Recently, Senate President Warren Petersen, House Speaker Ben Toma, and Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne submitted a petition to the U.S. Supreme Court. This legal move seeks to challenge the decision surrounding the state’s Save Women’s Sports Act, enacted in 2022.

Petersen emphasized the importance of action against what he perceives as injustices toward women. “We must stand up and fight to protect our daughters, nieces, sisters, and granddaughters,” he stated, highlighting concerns about fairness in sports and safety. He criticized the Democratic Governor and Attorney General for what he sees as a failure to protect women’s sports from the inclusion of transgender athletes.

In their legal brief, Arizona Republican leaders asserted the Ninth Circuit’s ruling contradicts Supreme Court precedents and conflicts with decisions from other circuits. They believe the case presents an opportunity to address significant legal questions.

The controversy escalated in July when Judge Jennifer Zipps issued a preliminary injunction against SB 1165, halting the implementation of the Save Women’s Sports Act. Horne vowed to appeal, referencing peer-reviewed studies that argue even pre-pubescent boys possess physical advantages in sports. He argued that the primary expert against the law lacks credibility, as he profits from gender transition procedures.

On the opposing side, the plaintiffs’ representative, Justin R. Rassi, praised the judge’s ruling. He argued it highlighted the lack of legitimate justification for the law, which he claims harms transgender girls. “We are very happy that, as a result of this ruling, Jane and Megan will be immediately able to resume playing sports with their friends,” Rassi stated.

A prior ruling by a panel from the Ninth Circuit supported the district court’s decision, asserting there are no significant athletic performance differences based on gender before puberty. This conclusion prompted the Republicans to escalate their case to the Supreme Court.

Republican State Senator Wendy Rogers expressed support for the Supreme Court filing, declaring, “Arizona Senate Republicans protecting women!”

Daniel Stefanski is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.