The fight to protect women’s sports in New Mexico has reached a critical juncture. Concerned Women for America (CWA) of New Mexico strongly supports President Trump’s executive order affirming that women’s sports should be reserved for biological females. Many states and sports leagues are also moving towards the protection of women’s sports. However, New Mexico legislators have refused to follow suit, failing to support female athletes in our state.
Last week, House Bill 185, the Protection of Women’s Sports Act, was presented before the House Consumer and Public Affairs Committee. The committee voted to table the bill in a 4-2 decision, effectively blocking its progress. Legislators avoided having their opposition officially recorded by choosing to table the bill rather than voting against it directly. The voting results were as follows:
- Rep. Joanne J. Ferrary (D-District 37), Committee Chair – Voted to table the bill
- Rep. Angelica Rubio (D-District 35), Committee Vice Chair, – Voted to table the bill
- Rep. John Block (R-District 51) – Opposed tabling the bill (supported HB 185)
- Rep. Stefani Lord (R-District 22) – Opposed tabling the bill (supported HB 185)
- Rep. Andrea Romero (D-District 46) – Voted to table the bill
- Rep. Elizabeth “Liz” Thomson (D-District 24) – Voted to table the bill
In New Mexico, the New Mexico Activities Association (NMAA) governs participation in middle and high school female sports. Under current bylaws, a student must compete in the gender listed on their birth certificate—whether original or amended. Because state law allows individuals to alter their birth certificates to reflect their gender identity, transgender women with amended documents can participate in female sports.
Legislation passed in New Mexico now permits individuals to change their gender designation on birth certificates for a nominal fee of $20. Senate Bill 20, which took effect on October 29, 2019, enables individuals born in the state to select Male, Female, or X (undesignated gender) on their birth certificate with a simple request.
Title IX, enacted in 1972, was designed to ensure equal opportunities and benefits for student-athletes based on sex. Federal law permits sex-based distinctions to safeguard fairness, privacy, and safety in sports. However, by allowing biological males to compete in girls’ sports, New Mexico legislators, the governor, and the NMAA are undermining Title IX and jeopardizing fairness, safety, and opportunities for female athletes. President Trump’s executive order mandates the enforcement of protections for single-sex sports and facilities, and noncompliance could put federal funding for New Mexico schools at risk.
This is a battle we cannot afford to abandon.
“Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.” – Hebrews 12:1
Nickie McCarty is the State Director of Concerned Women of America for New Mexico.
