Arizona House Republicans have advanced HCR 2003, a measure sponsored by Representative Selina Bliss. The resolution would send to voters a proposal requiring school-sponsored athletic teams to be designated as male, female, or coeducational based on biological sex. The measure also seeks to strengthen privacy protections by prohibiting schools and athletic associations from allowing individuals to use private athletic facilities not designated for their sex.
This referral is intended to restore and reinforce elements of Arizona’s 2022 Save Women’s Sports Act, which were partially blocked by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.
“Today the House acted to protect fair competition for girls across Arizona,” said Representative Selina Bliss. “Women’s sports were created because biological differences matter. When those differences are ignored, girls lose roster spots, scholarships, and opportunities they earned. HCR 2003 gives voters the chance to protect female athletes and establish clear, durable rules for schools.”
If approved by voters in the next general election, starting January 1, 2027, schools and athletic associations would be required to designate teams according to biological sex. Female-designated teams would not be open to athletes of the male sex. The proposal allows athletes to participate on teams aligned with their sex, maintains protections against retaliation, and provides a private cause of action for athletes deprived of opportunities due to violations. It also protects schools or associations from adverse actions if they maintain separate female teams.
“Court rulings have created uncertainty for schools and families,” Representative Bliss said. “This referral allows Arizona voters to decide whether girls’ sports should remain for girls. It protects privacy in locker rooms and showers and restores clarity statewide.”
The measure would apply to public and qualifying private schools serving kindergarten through twelfth grade.
HCR 2003 will now move forward in the Arizona Senate.
Carbone was elected as a Republican representative for Arizona’s 25th House District in 2023, succeeding Michelle Udall.
