IWV & IWN to Join Texas Governor Greg Abbott for Ceremonial Signing of the Save Women’s Sports Act
DENTON, TX – On Monday, August 7, Independent Women’s Voice (IWV) and the Independent Women’s Network (IWN) Dallas and Austin Chapters will join Texas Governor Greg Abbott for a ceremonial signing of the Save Women’s Sports Act at 2 p.m. CT. The event will celebrate the significance of this legislation and what it means for Texas women and girls. The signing will be held in the Texas Women’s Hall of Fame, which recognizes women who have attained outstanding achievements and ensures female contributions are preserved in the state’s legacy.
The Save Women’s Sports Act (S.B. 15), sponsored by Senator Mayes Middleton and Representative Valoree Swanson, was signed into law by Abbott on June 15, 2023. The bill protects the integrity of women’s sports by prohibiting biological men from competing in women’s sports at Texas colleges and universities.
Riley Gaines and Paula Scanlan, both spokeswomen and advisors for Independent Women’s Voice, will deliver remarks championing Governor Abbott’s leadership and recognizing him for taking bold steps to stand up for women and protect women’s sports. Numerous Texas female athletes will also join them, including 20x All-American swimmer and University of Texas Hall of Fame recipient Katy Arris Wilson.
In March, IWV advisor and 12x All-American swimmer Riley Gaines testified before the Texas State Senate Committee on State Affairs to advocate for the protection of women’s sports by prohibiting biological men from competing against female athletes at Texas colleges and universities.
“I am thankful to Governor Greg Abbott for supporting women and girls at all levels of competitive sport — including collegiate athletes,” said Riley Gaines. By signing the Save Women’s Sports Act, Gov.Abbott has sent a powerful message to Texans and to all Americans that we must protect the female category in sport if women and girls are to have equal athletic opportunities required by law.”
Paula Scanlan, Lia Thomas’ former UPenn teammate, said, “I am so happy that Governor Abbott has taken the stance to protect women and girls sports, and I am proud to stand with him as we celebrate this legislation. The Save Women’s Sports Act is necessary in all states, and I am very thankful that Texas has taken steps to provide fairness and safety for female athletes.”
Details:
REMARKS FROM:
- Governor Greg Abbott
- Riley Gaines, IWV Spokeswoman and Advisor & 12x All-American Swimmer
- Paula Scanlan, IWV Spokeswoman and Advisor & Former NCAA Swimmer
WHAT: Save Women’s Sports Act Ceremonial Signing & Press Conference
WHEN: Monday, August 7, 2023, at 2 p.m. CT (Media setup begins at 1:30 p.m.)
WHERE:
Texas Women’s Hall of Fame – Texas Woman’s University
Blagg-Huey Library
307 Administration Dr
Denton, TX 76201
*Mult-box provided
To RSVP, email press@iwv.org
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Independent Women’s Voice is an advocacy 501(c)(4) that fights for women and families by effectively expanding support among women, independents, and millennials for policy solutions that aren’t just well intended, but actually enhance freedom, opportunities, and well-being.
Independent Women’s Network, a project of Independent Women’s Voice, in partnership with Independent Women’s Forum, is a positive, supportive community of engaged, informed, and activated women working together to inspire, interact, influence, and have impact.
