top of page
Search

Fairness in Girls’ Sports Act held up for third time - Final Part

February 16, 2026

Sen. Bryant Richardson


This is the final part of the discussion on the hearing for Senate Bill 215, the Fairness in Girls’ Sports Act, for now at least.


I’ve been trying for three General Assembly sessions to pass a Fairness in Girls’ Sports Act.


A poll last year by The New York Times found that 79% of Americans believe men should be barred from competing in women’s sports.


The breakdown includes 94% of Republican respondents, 64% of Independent voters and 67% of Democrats.


With such a high percentage of citizens in favor of barring males from competing in women’s sports, you have to wonder why this would not persuade elected officials to act. 

This tells me that those elected officials are not persuaded by the majority of their constituents, but by something or someone else.


In the book that I wrote entitled, “Citizen’s Guide to Delaware Public Policy” I wrote: 

What concerns me most about the Democrat Party today is when I see good people on that side of the aisle voting in lockstep on some utterly outrageous bills.


I do not understand the mindset that fails to protect girls’ sports when the inclusion of males in women’s sports harms female athletes by: 


• Decreasing the chances of female athletic success

• Taking away roster spots, and playing time

• Loss of scholarships

• Increased chances of injuries


Add to that list the humiliation girls face having to undress to change in lockerrooms with biologically intact males. 


And to share the bathroom facilities with males.


Elected officials with daughters, granddaughters and sisters should especially be sensitive to wanting to protect their privacy.


During the hearing in front of the Senate Education Committee on January 28, opponents in the hearing room and on line expressed irritation that SB 215 was under consideration. 


This is fine. Everyone is entitled to express their opinions on legislation up for consideration.

What is not fine is when subtle, or maybe not-so-subtle threats become part of someone’s testimony.


One of those testifying online made it apparent that he was watching me. He named two of my grandchildren.


At the end of the hearing, I made it clear that anyone who had a problem with what legislation I was sponsoring should come after me, but leave my family out of it.

Debate is good. Bringing someone’s family into the discussion for God only knows what reason crosses  the line.


Listen to the hearing

A recording of the hearing is available.

How to view hearing

 

  • Open up https://legis.delaware.gov/

  • Click on Meetings & Archives tab at the top

  • Click on Senate Committees

  • Click on Recordings on the right-hand side

  • There is a place at the top you can put in a date (January 28, 2026) and push filter or you can scroll through the list of meetings

  • It will bring up the meetings for that day

  • Click on Senate Education Committee Meeting and push play

  • The meeting is a little delayed and it takes a few minutes before it starts around 2:34:23 mark

 

One more try

A majority of signatures is needed for a bill to be released from committee.

In the seven-member Senate Education Committee four signatures are needed.


Republicans Eric Buckson and Dave Lawson are co-sponsors of SB 215. The signatures of two Democrats are needed.


The Democrats on the committee are Senators Laura Sturgeon  Elizabeth Lockman, Stephanie Hansen, Nicole Poore and David P. Sokola. I hope voters will contact these senators and urge them to allow SB 215 out of committee for a full vote on the Senate floor.

If interested in helping, go to legis.delaware.gov and look up those senators and leave them a message, asking them to sign the bill out of committee.



---------------------------------------------------------------------

Contact information for members of the Senate Education Committee:


Senate Education Committee, Chair

Laura V. Sturgeon  Laura.Sturgeon@delaware.gov  (302) 744-4286

 

Stephanie L. Hansen

Elizabeth Lockman  

Nicole Poore   

Nicole.Poore@delaware.gov  (302) 744-4286

David P. Sokola   

David.Sokola@delaware.gov  (302) 744-4139


bottom of page