Therefore, since through God’s mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart. Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God. 1 Corinthians 4:1-2
There is nothing more dangerous to darkness than light. That is what Concerned Women for America Legislative Action Committee (CWALAC) is all about— storming the dark places with truth and light. Therefore, we shouldn’t be surprised when our efforts are met with unashamed attempts to quiet, weaken, and discourage us.
Earlier this week, this was plainly on display in Denver, Colorado. The state legislature was hearing three Republican-led bills, one of which was HB 26-1083, The Protect Female Sports Act, which prohibits men from competing on women’s athletic teams. When word of the hearing spread, Coloradans were quick to gather in support. Monday afternoon’s 1:30 p.m. hearing was flooded with moms, female athletes, and other community members, who showed their abundant and enthusiastic support for HB1083.
This was detrimental to the committee members, who have repeatedly refused to protect Colorado’s female athletes. So, they did the only thing they could: silence the people they are supposed to represent.
Nearly half an hour ticked by, and the long line of proponents, as well as the many more on Zoom, waited with no word or update from committee members or staff. Soon enough, the minutes ticked to hours. Female athletes anxiously watched the clock; they had to get to practice soon. Moms and dads had school kids topick up. Sure enough, the line began to get shorter.
Understandably, Coloradan parents and female athletes didn’t schedule hours into their day to stand outside a quiet hearing room.
After nearly seven hours of waiting, CWA of Colorado Director Karen Pennington and I, as a former college athlete and CWALAC Legislative Strategist, testified in favor of female athletes. We would not bend to our opponents’ schemes.
Dr. Pennington flooded the gates of the Capitol with truth in her testimony, “The basic cellular level cannot be changed; DNA is either male or female, affecting physical strength, stature, lung capacity, etc., all physical advantages on the playing field.”
But she reflected on the turmoil of the day:
Colorado voters are having their right to be heard thwarted by the majority party legislators. Time and again citizens must wait hours to testify on a bill in committee because the committee changes the order of bills at the last minute, does not convene the committee on time, or stacks the House or Senate Floor with numerous agenda items that delay the start of committees. It is not unusual to testify at 2:00 a.m. after having waited 11 hours to be called to give testimony. Many citizens must forgo their opportunity to testify because of family or work responsibilities.
This is now the accepted norm and should not be so. Citizens do not work for the legislators; the legislators work for us, and our voices should be heard.
As if silencing the female athletes was not disrespectful enough, the legislators then voted against the bill, affirming their opinion that men should be allowed to take their spots.
Coloradans may have an opportunity to vote on a related measure directly this fall. The measure “restricts participation in all K-12 and collegiate school sports based on the participant’s sex as determined by certain aspects of their biological reproductive system.”
In Colorado and beyond, Concerned Women for America LAC leaders are stepping out in obedience. Bringing the light of truth to every chamber with faithfulness to endure the schemes of the enemy that seek to silence them.
