Texas lawmaker slams ‘horrific hypocrisy’ of protests at women’s sports bill signing: ‘Absolutely ridiculous’

Former NCAA swimmers Riley Gaines and Paula Scanlan joined 'Fox & Friends' to discuss the incident and the importance of protecting women's sports. 

A Texas lawmaker slammed protests that erupted at the ceremonial signing of the Save Women’s Sports Act at Texas Women’s University in Denton last week, calling demands for tolerance amid heated demonstrations a "horrific hypocrisy."

Republican state Sen. Tan Parker, a co-author of Senate Bill 15, was present during the Aug. 7 ceremonial signing of the new piece of legislation that restricts participation in women’s sports at colleges and universities in the state to an individual’s biological gender. 

Sen. Tan Parker, left, and Sen. Bryan Hughes talk in the Senate chamber at the Capitol before the Senate was expected consider the rules for the impeachment of Attorney General Ken Paxton June 20, 2023. (Jay Janner/American-Statesman/USA Today Network)

"It's vitally important that we in Texas lead on such a critical issue," Parker told Fox News Digital in an interview. 

‘SAVE WOMEN’S SPORTS’ BILL SIGNING WAS HISTORIC EVENT KIDS NEEDED TO SEE, MOMS SAY, DESPITE VICIOUS ATTACKS

"What we are talking about here is the protection of women's sports, allowing the sacredness of girls to be able to compete freely and fairly against one another. That's been an honored tradition for many, many decades in this country, and it needs to continue to be supported and protected." 

Texas is among at least 20 states that have passed similar legislation. Republican Gov. Greg Abbott previously signed into law a bill in 2021 that placed similar restrictions on girls sports in grades K-12.  

"I don't view this as something that is just happening occasionally," Parker added.  

The Texas State