The Pennsylvania Governor slammed those who support preventing transgender athletes from participating in women’s sports as “extremist.”
Governor Josh Shapiro is again holding back on taking a public position on Senate Bill 9, known as the Save Women’s Sports Act, which proposes limiting girls’ and women’s athletics in Pennsylvania’s public schools and colleges to individuals assigned female at birth.
The bill passed the Republican‑led Senate in May of this year by a 32‑18 vote, with five Democratic senators joining the unanimous Republican majority. Sponsors argue the legislation is necessary to preserve fairness in competition and enforce the original intent of Title IX.
When asked whether he would sign or veto the bill if it reaches his desk, Governor Shapiro declined to take a position, labeling the matter “a hypothetical” and suggesting that eligibility determinations are better left to the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) on a case‑by‑case basis. Shapiro also sharply criticized supporters of SB 9, calling them “extremist politicians like Donald Trump, Doug Mastriano, and these others” and framed the legislation as part of broader efforts to restrict freedoms — similar, he said, to past campaigns against abortion rights and gay marriage.
Supporters of the bill, including its prime sponsor Sen. Judy Ward, say it will help ensure fair competition for biological female athletes, citing incidents where girls reportedly lost medals or scholarships to biologically male competitors. Co‑sponsors such as Sen. Kristin Phillips‑Hill emphasized bipartisan support and defense of Title IX principles.
Opponents, including LGBTQ+ advocacy groups and Democratic legislators, view the bill as discriminatory and unnecessary. They point to data showing that only a small number of transgender students participate in public athletics statewide and warn that the legislation could harm vulnerable youth mental health. Democratic Sen. Maria Collett called the bill “a failure to lead” and a sign of legislative unwillingness to constructively address sensitive issues.
Polls suggest widespread public support for restrictions corresponding to SB 9: approximately 64% of Pennsylvanians and 79% of Americans favor limiting girls’ sports to those assigned female at birth, including 67% of Democrats.
Last month in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, Democrats control the agenda and have so far prevented SB 9 from coming to a floor vote. House Republicans attempted a discharge resolution to force the bill out of committee, but Democrats re‑referred the measure to a different committee, delaying any debate. House Education Chair Peter Schweyer, a Democrat, defended the move, arguing the bill does not improve educational outcomes or school safety.
The PIAA, which governs high school athletics in Pennsylvania, has recently revised its guidelines to align with an executive order issued in February 2025 by the Trump administration banning transgender girls from competing in female sports. Critics contend that assigning such decisions to athletic associations rather than legislatures leaves room for inconsistency and debate.
Governor Shapiro previously opposed a similar bill in 2021 when serving as Attorney General, saying it was designed to discriminate against transgender youth. Both Shapiro and his office have refused to clarify whether he will veto SB 9 if it reaches his desk again — a scenario that remains uncertain so long as the House leadership continues to block its advance.
As public debate intensifies, SB 9 remains a political issue that cuts across party lines. While its fate hinges on procedural decisions in the House and whether Shapiro ultimately chooses to endorse or oppose the legislation, observers say his silence could be part of a broader strategy as he cultivates a centrist image with national aspirations.
