Rep. Barbara Ehardt presented House Concurrent Resolution 2 in the State Affairs Committee this morning. The resolution honors the Boise State University volleyball team which thrice forfeited against a San Jose State team that included a male athlete. The third forfeit was in the Mountain West Tournament, which cost the team any chance at a championship.
Rep. Ehardt invited former NCAA swimmer Riley Gaines to testify in support of the resolution. Gaines shared her experience of competing against a male swimmer who was awarded a trophy over her despite a tie as well as her ongoing work to protect women’s sports.
Nikson Mathews, a transgender-identifying individual who ran for Legislature in Boise last year, argued that the issue is exaggerated, stating there are only a few transgender athletes in college sports.
Democratic Reps. Brooke Green and Todd Achilles debated against the resolution, saying that while they valued the voices of the BSU women’s volleyball team, they believed the resolution would further marginalize trans-identifying people.
The resolution passed on a party line vote and could be debated on the House floor as early as tomorrow.
About Brian Almon
Brian Almon is the Editor of the Gem State Chronicle. He also serves as Chairman of the District 14 Republican Party and is a trustee of the Eagle Public Library Board. He lives with his wife and five children in Eagle.
