Idaho Governor Brad Little has voiced his support for Boise State University’s women’s volleyball team after they chose to forfeit their match against San José State on Saturday. The decision came after San José State added a transgender player, Blaire Fleming, to their team in April without informing opposing teams or Fleming’s teammates of their birth sex.
Little praised the Boise State team for prioritizing “player safety” and upholding “the fight for fairness in women’s sports.” He also referenced his Executive Order, the Defending Women’s Sports Act, which he signed in August. The order aims to ensure fair competition in women’s sports by preventing biological males from competing against females.
The Boise State volleyball team announced their decision to forfeit the match on Friday, stating that they would not play their scheduled game at San José State on Saturday. According to Mountain West Conference policy, the match will be recorded as a loss for Boise State.
Governor Little has been a vocal advocate for fairness in women’s sports, previously stating that “biological males have physical differences that give them an unfair advantage when competing with women and girls in sports.” He also signed legislation banning boys who identify as girls from using girls’ restrooms in public schools.
Senator Jim Risch (R-ID) also commended the Boise State team for “taking a stand for women” and supporting Idaho’s female athletes. The team’s decision has sparked controversy, with concerned parents expressing worries about the safety of their daughters competing in volleyball at Boise State.
The Boise State Broncos’ next match is scheduled for October 3 against Air Force.
