Leaders Unite to Empower Women in Arizona: Stand Up for HB2062!

The Arizona Legislature recently grappled with a significant bill aimed at defining “male” and “female” in state law. Despite its importance, Governor Katie Hobbs vetoed the measure, marking the second time a female governor has blocked legislation that supporters argue is crucial for women’s rights.

Paula Scanlan, a former NCAA Division 1 swimmer, has returned to Arizona to advocate for Rep. Lisa Fink’s HB 2062. Scanlan’s critiques center on her previous experiences competing against Lia Thomas, a transgender athlete, raising concerns about privacy and consent in women’s sports. She emphasizes that such experiences have profound implications for female athletes, particularly those who have faced trauma.

Scanlan is not alone in her advocacy. Arizona cyclist Natalie Church faced similar challenges when she competed against a significantly older male athlete at just 17 years old, expressing her concerns to no avail. This ambiguity in defining sex-based terminology has led to continued sexual discrimination in sports and other sectors.

Rep. Lisa Fink introduced HB 2062 as part of her work with the Protect Arizona Children Coalition, recognizing the necessity of defining “woman” and “female” in over 100 state statutes. The bill aims to protect single-sex spaces and opportunities across various settings, from sports and prisons to crisis centers and shelters.

If enacted, the legislation would outline sex-based terms, affirm the state’s commitment to maintaining single-sex spaces, and enhance the accuracy of public data collection. Supporters argue it is vital to safeguarding women’s rights and private areas against potential overreach in definition manipulation.

In light of the recent bipartisan approval of the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act by the U.S. House, advocates believe there is a growing momentum for similar measures at the state level. This follows a pivotal ruling from a Kentucky Federal District Court which nullified the Biden Administration’s attempt to expand the definition of “sex” in Title IX, a decision that impacts Arizona directly.

Moreover, polling indicates strong public support for measures preventing men from accessing women’s private spaces and opportunities, suggesting that constituents prioritize this issue in upcoming elections. Advocates are calling on Arizona leaders to align with this national trend and ensure the protection of women and girls’ rights.

With initial support from influential legislators, there is a push for Governor Hobbs to reconsider her stance on this critical bill. Advocates stress the need for comprehensive protections for the three million women and girls residing in Arizona.

Paula Scanlan, a Legislative Liaison at Independent Women, highlights the urgency of this legislation, ignited by her experiences as a former swimmer at the University of Pennsylvania and her history with Lia Thomas. Rep. Lisa Fink is committed to representing the interests of her constituents in Legislative District 27.