Speaker Pro Tem Rachelle Smit, R-Martin, on Thursday released the following statement after she stood with members of the House Republican Women’s Caucus to demand the Michigan High School Sports Athletic Association (MHSAA) comply with federal orders to protect female athletics.

“The thing I keep asking myself throughout this entire ordeal is ‘where are these kids’ parents?’ As a mom of three boys, I cannot fathom ever allowing my sons to compete against girls. These are children; they’re not old enough to be trusted to take out the trash regularly, yet we’re supposed to believe they can decide to change genders?

“My daughter played high school volleyball and basketball on top of being a cheerleader. By the grace of God, she didn’t have to worry about a man spiking a volleyball into her face or boxing her out beneath the rim. The MHSAA needs to make the right decision and protect our girls.”

The MHSAA has refused to comply with an executive order issued last month by President Donald Trump prohibiting biological males from competing in girls and women’s sports. Yesterday, the Michigan House approved a bipartisan resolution, House Resolution 40, urging the MHSAA to protect girls’ sports and comply with the federal order.

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