Politics

Balkcom rips Cooper for veto of Fairness in Women’s Sports Act

Peyton McNabb (left) and Riley Gaines pose with state Rep. Jennifer Balkcom.

By Lightning Reports, Published: July 6, 2023

Responding to his veto the Fairness in Women’s Sports Act, state Rep. Jennifer Balkcom accused Gov. Roy Cooper of "putting politics over protecting our female athletes" and their right to fairly compete in high school and college athletics.

“Women have fought for decades for equal opportunities in this country, and Governor Cooper is shamelessly putting politics over protecting our female athletes and ensuring they compete on an equal and safe playing field," Balkcom, a primary sponsor of the bill, said in a statement. "As an athlete, who currently enjoys running and who played many different sports during high school, I know firsthand how hard it is to compete in sports.

"My question for Gov. Cooper is this: Why stand in the way of fair, common-sense legislation that simply levels the playing field for females to compete without risk of injury? Women deserve better, and I will not be on the wrong side of history and science. That is why I filed HB 574 and why I will continue to advocate for women’s sports.”