The Independent Women’s Voice, in collaboration with athlete and advocate Riley Gaines, has introduced the Riley Gaines Stand with Women Scorecard ahead of the 2024 election cycle. This initiative aims to hold American candidates running for federal office accountable by providing voters with information on where each candidate stands regarding legislation that impacts female opportunities and privacy in private spaces.
Gaines expressed concern over the current state of women's sports, highlighting instances where female athletes are forced to compete against biological males. She emphasized the need for legislative action to protect female athletes from losing opportunities, titles, and privacy in locker rooms.
The Stand with Women Scorecard, a joint effort between Gaines and the Independent Women’s Voice, offers a straightforward assessment of candidates' positions. Candidates are categorized as either standing with women, not standing with women, or having an unknown stance. The scorecard lists all candidates and incumbents, providing voters with a clear comparison between two candidates.
To receive an approved score on the scorecard, candidates must meet specific criteria. This includes signing the Stand with Women Commitment, publicly supporting female-only sports, and recognizing the biological differences between males and females. Congressional incumbents supporting the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act or voting against the current administration’s Title IX changes will also earn an approved score.
Senate incumbents can secure an approved score by co-sponsoring the Congressional Review Act or voting for a floor vote on the Protections of Women and Girls in Sports Act. The scorecard aims to inform voters about candidates' positions on women's issues, particularly in the realm of sports and gender equality.
The initiative has garnered support from former Hawaii congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, who emphasized the importance of protecting women's rights in sports. The Stand with Women Scorecard provides voters with a valuable tool to assess candidates' commitment to women's issues and make informed decisions during the upcoming election season.
