GOP Lawmaker Urges WNBA to Adopt Olympic Definition of Woman

Rep. Marlin Stutzman, R-Ind., has urged the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) to adopt the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) definition of a woman. Stutzman's remarks came in response to WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert's communication with the congressman regarding the league's stance on the eligibility of former NBA players Enes Kanter Freedom and Royce White.

According to Stutzman, Engelbert indicated that Kanter Freedom and White are not considered women by the league. However, Stutzman expressed frustration that the WNBA has not yet formally defined the term "woman" within its own policies. He suggested that the league could simply align with the IOC's established definitions to resolve the matter and avoid criticism.

"Well, I think they could just follow another organization's definitions," Stutzman said in an interview. "Say they're going to follow the Olympics organization's definition. They don't even have to define it themselves – there are already other organizations that define what a biological woman is."

Stutzman noted that the IOC has faced scrutiny over similar issues but has continued to operate. He also pointed out that the WNBA commissioner's ability to determine an individual's gender, as seen in her assessment of Kanter Freedom, suggests that the league can make such distinctions.

"But apparently it's not hard, because Cathy Engelbert can decide that Enes Freedom is a male without even meeting him in person," Stutzman stated. "So, it can't be that hard."