LANSING, Mich. — Sen. Jim Runestad on Wednesday introduced legislation to protect the accomplishments and awards of female athletes. Known as the FAIR Act, Senate Bill 1188 would require that awards, rankings and records be categorized solely by the biological sex of the athlete.
“As parents, we want to ensure that the achievements of our girls are fully recognized and protected in fair competition,” said Runestad, R-White Lake. “Women’s sports are sacred spaces where our girls can train, compete and accomplish something. They’re spaces meant exclusively for them, not for men, where their accomplishments can be their own.”
SB 1188 would require official awards, rankings and records of results to be categorized consistent with each competitor’s biological sex. It also establishes in law a clear definition for biological sex, establishing only two genders as male and female.
The bill is being introduced to supplement House Bill 4066, which was passed by the Michigan House of Representatives in 2025.
“That bill banned men from playing in women’s sports; my bill ensures that these athletes’ true legacy is restored, preserved and honored,” Runestad said.
SB 1188 will be formally introduced on the next Senate session day.
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