.Sep 17, 2024, 09:18 PM ETWASHINGTON-- Billie Jean King are going to come to be the initial specific ladies's athlete to become rewarded the Legislative Gold Medal.Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania and Mikie Sherrill of New Jacket revealed Tuesday that their bipartisan legislation had passed the House of Representatives as well as will be delivered to Head of state Joe Biden for his signature.The bill to honor King, the tennis Hallway of Famer as well as protestor, had currently passed unanimously in the Senate.Sherrill, a Democrat, pointed out in a declaration that Master's "life-time of advocacy and effort modified the landscape for females as well as gals on the court, in the classroom, as well as the work environment." The bill was introduced in September 2023 on the 50th wedding anniversary of King's victory over Bobby Riggs in the "War of the Sexes," still the most-watched tennis match of perpetuity. The award, granted by Our lawmakers for prominent success as well as payments to culture, has actually earlier been actually provided to professional athletes, featuring baseball players Jackie Robinson and also Roberto Clemente and also golfers Port Nicklaus, Byron Nelson and also Arnold Palmer.King had actually presently been granted the Governmental Medal of Independence in 2009. Fitzpatrick, a Republican, claims she has "damaged obstacles, led uncharted roads, and also influenced many folks to stand up proudly along with nerve and view in the fight for what is right.".