Grand Canyon Times

Senator Sine Kerr has introduced a new bill, SB 1628, aimed at safeguarding women and girls in Arizona. The legislation seeks to bring clarity and consistency to state laws concerning sex discrimination and gender equality. It aims to preserve spaces designated for single-sex use, defining "sex" as a person's biological sex—either male or female—for all state law purposes.

Senator Kerr stated, "Laws should be based in objective reality and uniform for all Arizonans." She emphasized that the bill addresses concerns about men and boys entering spaces traditionally reserved for women and girls, such as locker rooms and sports teams. According to Kerr, this encroachment deprives women of athletic opportunities and poses safety risks when competing against physically stronger males.

Paula Scanlan, a former University of Pennsylvania swimmer and Independent Women's Voice Ambassador, joined Senator Kerr at a press conference to discuss the bill's significance. Scanlan shared her experience of having to share facilities with Lia Thomas, a transgender swimmer. Despite facing pressure to remain silent, she is vocal about the challenges faced by women under current norms.

Scanlan expressed her support for the bill: "I am happy to support the introduction of the Women’s Bill of Rights in Arizona. With more than 3.5 million women living in the state, this bill would have an incredible impact in providing scientifically-sound protections for women and their personal spaces."

Senator Kerr added that it is essential for girls and women to feel safe in vulnerable places: "Girls and women deserve to be safe in the places where they are most vulnerable, and we have seen far too many examples of girls and women physically injured, relegated to the bench, and bumped off the winner’s podium by males competing as females."

For further information on this legislative proposal, contact Kim Quintero at kquintero@azleg.gov.