Signed by Governor Tate Reeves

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that requires transgender student athletes play against those of their biological sex.

Highlights:

• Requires that interscholastic or intramural athletic teams that are sponsored by a public primary or secondary school or are a member of the Mississippi High School Activities Association or public institution of higher education be expressly designated for a single biological sex (Sec. 2).

• Prohibits athletic events or sports designated for females from being open to students of the male sex (Sec. 2).

• Specifies that a student may dispute the aforementioned provision by establishing their biological sex by presenting a signed physicians statement indicating the student’s biological sex based solely on the following, including (Sec. 2):

• The students internal and external reproductive anatomy;

• The students normal endogenously produced levels of testosterone; and

• An analysis of the student’s genetic makeup.

• Prohibits a government entity, licensing, accrediting organization, or athletic association from opening an investigation or take any adverse action against a primary or secondary school or institution of higher education for maintaining separate interscholastic or intramural athletic teams or sports for students of the female sex (Sec. 3).

• Specifies that any student who is deprived of an athletic opportunity, reports any violation, or suffers any direct or indirect harm as a result of a violation of this act shall have a private cause of action for injunctive relief, damages, and any other relief available under the law against the primary or secondary school or institution of higher education (Sec. 4).

• Establishes that this act shall take effect July 1, 2021 (Sec. 6).

Full Bill Text