Fair Play in Community Sports Bill Advances

The House has passed SB 5967, an ACLU-backed bill mandating that all athletes – males and females alike – are accorded equal opportunities to participate in community athletics programs. Too often, girls and women have been relegated to poorer facilities, less qualified officials, and less suitable scheduling. The “Fair Play” bill takes the non-discrimination principles of the landmark federal Title IX law – which covers public school sports – and applies them to government-funded local and regional sports programs. The bill now goes to the Senate for concurrence with a minor amendment the House added. Sponsors are Sen. Jeanne Kohl-Welles and Rep. Christine Rolfes.