Santa Fe, NM – February 12, 2025 – New Mexico Family Action Movement is proud to stand with the Independent Women's Forum, who will host a press conference on the Protection of Women's Sports on February 13 at 12:30 PM in Room 318 of the New Mexico State Capitol. This event will bring together advocates, lawmakers, and community leaders to discuss the importance of preserving fairness and integrity in women's athletics and defending opportunities for young female athletes in New Mexico.

The press conference will highlight New Mexico State Representative Andrea Reeb's introduction of the Protection of Women's Sports Act, legislation aimed at preserving fairness in female athletics by ensuring that teams designated for women remain exclusive to biological females. Unlike federal efforts to blur the distinctions in Title IX, this bill stands as a clear commitment to upholding the original intent of protecting female athletes. This legislative push comes at a time when national policy is shifting, with President Trump's executive order reinforcing sex-based protections in sports and the NCAA maintaining competitive fairness at the collegiate level.

"As a mother of athletes, I know how rewarding sports can be in our children's lives. It can be a creative outlet, a launching pad to higher education, and an opportunity to create life-long friendships. However, when our female athletes are fearful of their safety, those rewards slip away," said Representative Andrea Reeb. "Forcing female athletes to compete against biological males is not only unfair, but it also puts them at risk. This legislation ensures that young women in New Mexico can continue to compete on a level playing field and pursue their athletic dreams without fear of losing opportunities."

Recent polling in New Mexico shows overwhelming public support for keeping female sports and spaces exclusive to biological women. Two surveys conducted within the state found that 94% of respondents oppose allowing biological males in girls' locker rooms, and 84% believe that sports should be separated by biological sex. Furthermore, 92% of young people aged 18 to 24 in New Mexico explicitly oppose boys being allowed in girls' locker rooms and competing in girls' sports, underscoring a clear consensus among local residents that preserving fairness in athletics is a priority. These statistics highlight the urgent need for policies that align with public sentiment and protect the rights and safety of female athletes in our state.
Other lawmakers and advocates will also speak on the necessity of maintaining female-only sports teams, reinforcing the importance of Title IX protections, and pushing back against policies that undermine athletic fairness for women and girls.

New Mexico Family Action Movement believes that protecting the integrity of women's sports is not just a policy issue—it is a fundamental reflection of the values that support strong families and thriving communities. By ensuring that female athletes have access to fair competition, we affirm our mission to safeguard the family unit, promote opportunity for young women, and uphold biological reality in policy decisions. Our culture must continue to protect these spaces, recognizing that every young girl deserves a fair shot - without competing against biological males. We stand firmly in support of this legislation and urge leaders across the state to join us in defending the future of women's athletics in New Mexico.

Momentum continues to build across the country for preserving fairness in women's sports. In Tennessee v. Cardona, a Federal District Court recently ruled against the previous administration's attempt to redefine sex in Title IX, affirming that female athletes deserve protections under the law as originally intended. This ruling strengthens the case for state-level efforts like Rep. Reeb's bill, which ensures that young women in New Mexico are not forced to compete under unfair conditions.

At the state level, New Mexico has the opportunity to align itself with the growing national movement to protect women's athletics. With 26 states already passing similar legislation, the Protection of Women's Sports Act will ensure that New Mexico's female athletes receive the same level of fairness, safety, and opportunity. By taking decisive action now, our state can help preserve the future of women's sports for generations to come.

Event Details:
Press Conference on the Protection of Women's Sports
Independent Women's Forum, New Mexico Family Action Movement, lawmakers, and guest speakers
February 13, 12:30 PM
Room 318, New Mexico State Capitol, Santa Fe, NM