AUSTIN – Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick issued this statement today following the passage of Senate Bill 2, Fair Sports for Women and Girls, by Sen. Charles Perry, R-Lubbock:

“When Senate Bill 29 was killed in the Texas House at the end of the 87th Regular Legislative Session, I asked Gov. Greg Abbott to include fair sports for women and girls on the special session call because this issue is crucial for the survival of women’s sports. Women have been fighting for equality in sports for decades with tremendous success. We can’t stop that progress.

“It is simply not fair to allow boys to compete in girls’ sports. In Texas schools, the athletic statistics show the reality of sports competition — boys run faster, they throw farther, they jump higher. To pretend they don’t denies women and girl athletes the right to compete on a level playing field and be the best in their sport. It also pushes them out of athletic scholarships.

“Final passage of this bill into law will require the House Democrats who have fled the state to return to the House for a quorum. If they do not, this bill will die, but the Senate will pass Senate Bill 2 over and over again until the House finally has a quorum.

“I commend Sen. Perry for his courage and leadership on this important issue.”