Mizell on the Fairness in Women’s Sports Act to become law

Sen. Beth Mizell (R) District 12

After being vetoed last year, the Fairness in Women’s Sports Act by Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell will go into effect this fall. Mizell believes a trans female athlete winning a collegiate swimming competition helped garner more votes in favor of the bill.

“The visuals from the events over the last year affected people’s vote, they felt stronger about the bill. They felt more committed that we needed the bill,” said Mizell.

The Fairness in Women’s Sports Act bans trans female athletes from competing in women’s sports. And while some say the bill is discriminatory against trans athletes, Mizell without the legislation women are discriminated against in their own sports.

“It’s to protect women from being discriminated against, without a fair playing field women are being displaced from what is being called women’s sports,’ said Mizell.

Governor Edwards vetoed the legislation which prompted a historic veto override session last year. After failing to override the veto Mizell tried for a second attempt and this year and when the legislation reached the governor’s desk he opted not to sign the bill and allow it to become law.

Mizell said the intent of her bill has always been to protect women’s sports not to exclude individuals.

“Can we at least acknowledge that women need that protection, in order to keep that fair playing field we’ve worked along time for that,” said Mizell.

The law goes into effect on August 1^st.