DECATUR, IL…State Representative Regan Deering (R-Decatur) released the following statement after the Supreme Court of the United States upheld state laws in West Virginia v. B.P.J. and Little v. Hecox, affirming that states may restrict participation in girls’ and women’s sports based on biological sex.
“Today’s ruling is a major victory for fairness, safety, and common sense,” Deering said. “From my first week in office, I’ve fought to protect girls’ sports and private spaces for biological females because I’m a mother of two daughters and a former biology teacher. I believe our girls deserve a level playing field and a non-negotiable right to privacy and safety. The Supreme Court has affirmed what I’ve said from day one. Protecting girls’ sports is not controversial—it’s basic fairness.”
In January 2025, Deering filed HB 1117, legislation requiring Illinois school sports teams to be designated as male, female, or coeducational, with students only permitted to participate on teams that correspond to their biological sex.
The bill also requires school districts and nonpublic schools to obtain a written statement signed by the student, parent, or guardian verifying the student’s age, biological sex, and that the student has not taken performance-enhancing drugs.
Deering said that despite her efforts, Illinois still lacks the necessary protections for young girls and women who want to participate in sports.
“Over the past six years, Governor Pritzker has repeatedly shown that he’s more interested in advancing a radical agenda than protecting the rights of Illinois families,” Deering said. “Today’s ruling makes clear that states have the authority to protect women and girls in sports, and I will keep fighting for HB 1117 and for every young woman in this state who deserves a fair shot to compete.”
“This legislation is a no-brainer, and I am renewing my call to my colleagues and Governor Pritzker to take this issue seriously and enact legislation that protects girls and women in sports,” Deering concluded.
Deering’s bill remains in the Rules Committee. For more information, please contact Rep. Deering at (217) 876-1968 or visit RepDeering.com.
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