WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Darline Graham (R-South Carolina) today announced her support for and is co-sponsoring four bills that will protect women’s athletics and preserve the intent of Title IX.
Graham’s legislative actions come on the heels of her support for WNBA star Sophie Cunningham, who has been criticized for defending the integrity of women’s sports. Last week, Graham said, “I want to thank Sophie Cunningham for speaking out and make it clear that I could not agree more.”
“Our daughters will be the ones who benefit from those willing to stand up for common sense. As the mother of a volleyball player who traveled with my daughter and her team throughout South Carolina and the southeast, I know how dangerous it is to have boys playing in girls’ sports. I also know how hard these young women practice to improve their game,” said Senator Darline Graham. “I am glad to add my name to these important bills. I will not sit back and allow biological men to participate in women’s sports. Too many female athletes have been subjected to unsafe conditions and lost out on their right to fair play.”
Overview of the pro-women’s sports bills backed by Graham:
- Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act of 2025 – amends Title IX to prohibit schools who allow biological men to compete on women’s sports teams from receiving federal funds
- Protection of Women in Olympic and Amateur Sports Act – bans national athletic governing bodies from allowing biological males to participate in female-only competitions
- Fair Play for Girls Act – requires the U.S. Attorney General to submit a report to Congress outlining the status of safety and fairness in women’s athletics
- Title IX Clarification Act of 2026 – clarifies Title IX’s non-discrimination requirement refers only to an individual’s biological sex