ANNAPOLIS, MD—HB 156, Fairness in Girls’ Sports, introduced by Maryland Freedom Caucus Vice Chair, Delegate Kathy Szeliga, is scheduled for a hearing on Wednesday, January 29th. However, public support for the legislation will not be heard as the Ways and Means Committee is limiting bills introduced in prior years to “sponsor only” testimony.

“I was disappointed to learn that my bill would be limited to only my testimony in the Ways and Means Committee this year,” Delegate Szeliga said. “I have stood by protecting girls’ sports in our state for years, even when it was unpopular to do so. Allowing the public—both for and against the bill—the opportunity to have their voices heard is the right thing to do.”

Recent polling shows that the vast majority of Marylanders oppose allowing biological males to compete in high school girls’ sports, raising concerns that HB156 was unfairly targeted by this committee rule. A Gonzales Research poll, commissioned by the Maryland Freedom Caucus, revealed that 76% of Maryland voters oppose such policies, with 67% strongly opposed. This sentiment crosses party lines: 96% of Republicans, 81%of independents, and 65% of Democrats agree. Additionally, 83% of African American voters support protecting fairness in girls’ sports.

“This isn’t about politics—it’s about common sense,” said MDFC member Delegate Lauren Arikan, a co-sponsor of HB156. “Girls deserve a level playing field, and these poll numbers show that Marylanders, regardless of party affiliation, stand behind protecting the integrity of girls’ sports.”

The Fairness in Girls’ Sports Act is a priority Maryland Freedom Caucus bill under the “Empower Families to Grow” pillar. Since the passage of Title IX, girls’ sports have empowered generations of young women, fostering confidence, teamwork, and leadership skills while opening doors to scholarships and higher education. Allowing biological males to compete with high school girls threatens to dismantle these critical opportunities.

While the Ways and Means Committee has limited this bill’s hearing, written testimony can be submitted today between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Senator Mary Beth Carozza plans to introduce a companion bill in the Senate soon, where we hope the public will have the opportunity to testify freely.

Gonzales Maryland Poll – January 2025 Results – Summary

QUESTION: Biological Males in Girl’s Sports – Do you support or oppose allowing biological males who self-identify as female to compete on girls’ high school JV and Varsity sports teams?