St. Cloud Sun

The Minnesota Supreme Court has ruled that transgender women, or biological males, have the right to compete in female athletics. The decision, which was announced on Wednesday, has raised concerns among some state lawmakers about the implications for the safety and fairness of girls' sports.

Minnesota State Representative Bernie Perryman (R-St. Cloud) commented on the ruling, stating, "While I am not completely surprised by our court’s interpretation of state law, it is very concerning because it threatens the safety of girls and undermines fair play."

Earlier this year, House Republicans introduced two bills aimed at clarifying protections for female athletes and maintaining fairness in competition. One of these, the Preserving Girls Sports Act (H.F. 12), would specify that only female students may participate in school sports designated for women or girls. Perryman co-authored this legislation. However, House Democrats blocked the bills from passing.

Perryman noted, "People I talk with just don’t get how it’s considered acceptable for biological males to compete in girls’ sports. Polls show around 80 percent of people agree with the bill’s position, which is why we authored language to provide clarification in state law. Instead, by blocking it, the other side is putting girls at risk and rolling back decades of progress made through Title IX. And now, the Supreme Court has proven our concerns to be valid, underscoring how important it is for us to clarify state law."

The Supreme Court’s ruling was made in the case Cooper v. USA Powerlifting, where the court found that USA Powerlifting discriminated against a transgender athlete by banning her from women's events under the Human Rights Act. The court sent the case back to a lower court to decide if a “competitive fairness” defense could be considered as a valid exception.

Perryman pointed out, "A quick internet search turns up many stories where girls competing against biological males in women’s sports have been hurt, including everything from concussions to losing teeth. And a United Nations report found that female athletes around the world have lost almost 900 medals to transgender men competing in their events."

She added that House Republicans have tabled the Preserving Girls Sports Act after Democrats voted against it, leaving the legislation available for consideration in the 2026 session, along with a similar bill, H.F. 1233.

In addition to legislative updates, Perryman highlighted recent visits in her district, including events at the Stearns County Sheriff’s Office, the ribbon cutting of a new Xcel plant in Waite Park, recognition of the Minnesota Dealership of the Year in St. Cloud, and the swearing in of new St. Cloud firefighters.

Perryman also addressed Minnesota’s new paid leave program, which will launch on January 1. She noted that the payroll tax rate for the Paid Family Medical Leave program will be 25 percent higher than originally planned, resulting in a projected $1.55 billion tax increase in the first year, affecting both employers and employees. The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development has outlined steps employers must take to prepare, including setting up paid leave administrator accounts, notifying employees by December 1, and customizing workplace policies by January 1.

For more information about the Paid Leave program, employers are directed to visit the Paid Leave website.

Perryman concluded, "It’s an honor and privilege to work for you at the Capitol. Don’t hesitate to contact my office at any time this session to share your thoughts, concerns or ideas. You can call me at 651-296-6316, or email me at rep.bernie.perryman@house.mn.gov. I am here to serve you!"