A crowd of advocates gathered at the Minnesota State Capitol Monday to rally in support of House File 12, a bill that aims to protect the integrity of women’s sports.
The bill, which seeks to ban biological males from competing in women’s athletic events, is drawing sharp lines of division, but for many at the rally, the message was clear: protect fairness, protect opportunities for young women, and promote common sense.
The event saw a strong turnout of both lawmakers and citizens, with prominent speakers including former NCAA swimmer Riley Gaines, former Minnesota Vikings player Jack Brewer, and other lawmakers. Gaines, who achieved 12 NCAA All-American titles and five SEC championships, shared her personal experience in women’s sports and the challenges she faced when her privacy and safety were threatened by policies allowing transgender athletes to compete.
“I could spend hours sharing with you the unfairness of what me and my teammates and girls around the country continue to face,” Gaines said, speaking directly to the crowd. “It’s utterly insane that you have to walk down steps with an entourage of security for saying something as simple as men and women are different.”
During her speech, Gaines also called out Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, saying, “Tampons do not belong in boys’ bathrooms.”
“Minnesota for too long has turned its back on women and girls,” @Riley_Gaines_ pic.twitter.com/ckg9B4Dw5l
— Hayley Feland (@HayleyFeland) March 3, 2025
“Minnesota for too long has turned its back on women and girls. The concept of gender identity and the reality of sex are in direct conflict with each other,” she added.
Republican lawmakers also voiced their support for the bill, calling House File 12 a step toward ensuring that Minnesota remains a state that values fairness and equality for women.
“House File 12 is not about politics, it’s about protecting the integrity of girls’ sports just as generations before us have fought to do,” said Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth, R-Cold Spring.
The rally drew a crowd of around 200, with many holding signs saying, “Protect girls’ sports.”
“It’s really important that we get the news out that we shouldn’t have men in women’s sports,” said a girl who was there with her sister, a high school athlete. They said they were excited to see Gaines in particular to stand up for girls and women.
Former NFL player and Minnesota native Ben Utecht was also present. Speaking as a girl dad himself, he talked about the importance of protecting girls. “We believe it is an absolute priority to protect our daughters and to give them every fair opportunity to succeed because they deserve it,” Utecht said.
Super Bowl champion and Minnesota native Ben Utecht at rally to protect girls' sports: 'It is an absolute priority to protect our daughters and give them every fair opportunity to succeed.' pic.twitter.com/IfRXnFSdwV
— Alpha News (@AlphaNewsMN) March 3, 2025
The Minnesota Queer Legislators Caucus held a press conference ahead of the vote on HF12. “We are here today ahead of an unnecessary debate on House File 12,” Rep. Brion Curran, DFL-White Bear Lake, commented. “You are loved, you are seen, and you deserve to play with your peers,” she said to the LGBTQ community.
“We will not allow Republicans to discriminate and bully children for wanting to play,” Curran added.
Rep. Leigh Finke, DFL-St. Paul, called the bill “hateful” and “cruel.” “I can think of no justification for such an act,” Finke said.
“As a coach and educator with a master’s degree in biology, I can confidently say that chromosomes do not determine athletic success,” Maggie Dayvis, a biology teacher, said during the press conference.
But those at the rally noted that the public is on their side. “This is one of those rare 80% issues where everybody in America agrees with us,” said attorney and former Republican state auditor candidate Ryan Wilson.
A recent New York Times/Ipsos poll found that 79% of Americans do not think transgender women, meaning biological males, should be allowed to compete in women’s sports. Even 67% of Democrats surveyed expressed agreement.
The Minnesota House is expected to take up HF12 Monday afternoon. In order for the bill to pass, Republicans will need at least one Democrat to vote in favor of the bill.
The legislation comes after the U.S. Department of Education announced an investigation into the Minnesota State High School League for possible violations of federal antidiscrimination laws by allowing boys to compete in girls’ sports.
Update: The bill failed in the Minnesota House Monday evening after all 66 Democrats voted against it.
BREAKING: The Preserving Girls' Sports Act fails in the Minnesota House after all 66 Democratic members vote against it pic.twitter.com/JFv1HOKKOA
— Alpha News (@AlphaNewsMN) March 4, 2025
Hayley Feland
Hayley Feland previously worked as a journalist with The Minnesota Sun, The Wisconsin Daily Star, and The College Fix. She is a Minnesota native with a passion for politics and journalism.
Symone Harms
Symone Harms is a Media Production and Business Marketing student at Bethel University. She is actively involved in The Royals Investment Fund, The 25, theatre, and other leadership positions. She also cohosts Rooted, a podcast dedicated to being rooted in truth, growing in freedom, and prospering in life. A Minnesota native with a passion for storytelling and digital media, she aspires to a career in broadcasting as a news anchor and reporter.
