Adapted from a press release
WASHINGTON — U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson, a member of Cypress Baptist Church in Benton, Louisiana, delivered remarks on the steps of the U.S. Supreme Court during the Alliance Defending Freedom’s Protect Women’s Sports Rally, January 13, urging the Supreme Court to uphold common sense and basic truth, preserve the original meaning of Title IX, and protect the future of women’s athletics.
TRANSCRIPT
“Some things are just right, and some things are just wrong, and we have to stand and say that with conviction and clarity and consistency,” Johnson said.
“I’ve got a couple of words for you this morning, I want to encourage you. Common sense is back to Congress. I want to thank the Alliance Defending Freedom for having the courage to stand and fight for women and girls all across this country. I know ADF well, I used to be one of their litigation attorneys. Sometimes I miss that work.
“Listen, speaking of courageous individuals, we have a lot of brave women here. One of them is my attorney general from the state of Louisiana, Liz Murrill is here, and she’s been one of the fighters. You’ll hear from her in a moment. All of these folks are fierce advocates and defenders of women’s sports and the truth that underlies that.
“I’m the dad of two girls. My girls were athletes as well. We know what’s fair and what’s right. I’m proud to stand with you as we fight to protect female-only spaces and sports, and truly the future of women’s athletics. Every Republican here in this House is with you. We stand in solidarity with you and you know that. Every young woman and girl has the right to compete safely and fairly.
“Now, here’s the thing. After four years of woke nonsense, President Trump is back and Republicans are truly doing that: restoring common sense. Isn’t it nice to have a president who can clearly answer what a woman is? Isn’t that something?
“In January of last year, House Republicans passed the legislation — the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act — requiring all schools receiving federal funding to uphold the original meaning of Title IX and to keep biological men out of women’s sports. We voted on the legislation in the last Congress as well, and not one Democrat joined us on that legislation.
“We filed an amicus brief on behalf of House Republicans for this litigation that’s going on today, and I believe the American people voted resoundingly for a return to common sense and a return to objective truth. Some things are just right, and some things are just wrong, and we have to stand and say that with conviction and clarity and consistency. And that’s why you’re here and that’s why we appreciate you so much.
“House Republicans will always stand for American women and girls, and we hope and pray that this Supreme Court will do exactly the same. We’re with you in solidarity. God bless you.”
