Voices of Reason: PA’s Trans Athlete Debate


In this episode of Voices of Reason, we take a closer look at one of the most debated issues in Pennsylvania education and athletics: the future of girls’ sports and the rights of transgender athletes.

State Sen. Judy Ward (R-Blair/Fulton/Huntingdon/Juniata/Mifflin) joins the program to discuss Senate Bill 9, the “Save Women’s Sports Act,” legislation she co-sponsors that would limit participation in girls’ school sports to athletes who are biologically female.

Offering a different perspective is Naiymah Sanchez, Trans Justice Coordinator for the ACLU of Pennsylvania. Together, the conversation explores the legal, social, and athletic questions surrounding transgender participation in sports — and the policy debate now unfolding in Harrisburg.

Listen to hear both perspectives on Senate Bill 9 and the future of girls’ sports in Pennsylvania.

Steve Ulrich

Ulrich has worked as managing editor of PoliticsPA since January 2022 after spending two years as the Director of Elections in York (Pa.) County. Prior to that, he spent 35 years as a college athletics administrator. Send email to [email protected]