The House has voted to pass legislation restricting transgender women from participating in women's school athletics programs.
On Tuesday, House Republicans passed a bill aimed at barring transgender student-athletes from participating in girls’ sports, elevating the contentious issue following an election cycle where it frequently appeared in GOP campaigns.
The Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act seeks to amend Title IX—the federal law prohibiting sex-based discrimination in schools and educational programs receiving government funding. The amendment would prevent schools from allowing transgender female athletes to compete in programs “designated for women or girls.” It defines sex as being determined “solely by a person’s reproductive biology and genetics at birth.”
The bill passed with a 218–206 vote, with two Democrats joining all Republicans in support. Three Republicans and six Democrats abstained, and one Democrat voted “present.” Texas Representatives Vicente Gonzalez and Henry Cuellar were the only Democrats to back the legislation.
If enacted, this would mark the first standalone federal law restricting the rights of transgender Americans. The legislation’s introduction during the second week of the 119th Congress signals that the Republican majority considers this a priority, following recent legislation addressing border security.
Rep. Greg Steube (R-Fla.), the bill’s sponsor, stated that its purpose is to uphold the original intent of Title IX by ensuring equal opportunities for men and women in sports.
