BOISE, Idaho — Governor Brad Little has announced the Defending Women’s Sports Act through a new executive order, with competitive swimmer and Independent Women’s Voice Ambassador Riley Gaines in attendance at the press conference.
This new order follows Governor Little’s earlier legislation aimed at protecting women’s sports in Idaho. The executive order is a response to recent federal changes to Title IX regulations under the Biden-Harris administration. Title IX, originally enacted in 1972, aimed to ensure equality for female athletes.
Governor Little expressed concerns that recent federal updates to Title IX might undermine fairness in women’s sports by allowing biological males to compete in female categories. Little said that emphasized the importance of preserving a level playing field for female athletes, who he said dedicate considerable effort and resources to their sports.
The executive order instructs the Idaho State Board of Education to collaborate with the State Department of Education to ensure compliance with Idaho’s laws on fairness in women’s sports. It also mandates that public schools in Idaho continue to offer equal opportunities for female students in athletics and other school activities.
The executive order and additional details are available at (https://gov.idaho.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/eo-2024-08.pdf).
