House Passes Controversial Bill Targeting Trans Athletes in Women’s Sports: What You Need to Know

Last week, House Republicans passed a bill aimed at banning transgender athletes from competing in women’s sports funded by the federal government. The final vote was 218-206, showcasing a deep divide on this issue.

The bill, known as the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act, was introduced by Rep. Greg Steube from Florida. It mainly defines sex as determined by reproductive biology and genetics at birth. This definition will be used to enforce Title IX, the 1972 law that prohibits sex discrimination in education and sports.

The legislation prohibits any organization that receives federal funding from allowing transgender females to participate in women’s sports. House Speaker Mike Johnson emphasized the bill as a commitment to biological truths, stating, “It’s a matter of biology.”

However, the legislation has faced significant backlash. Rep. Pete Aguilar, a Democrat from California, raised concerns about the lack of distinctions in age and competition levels. He warned that it might lead to invasive inspections of young children, and criticized the bill for not addressing parental consent.

After the vote, Kelley Robinson, president of the Human Rights Campaign, expressed her disappointment. She argued that such a ban could foster harassment and discrimination against young athletes whose appearance may not conform to traditional gender norms.

A similar bill has been introduced in the Senate by Sen. Tommy Tuberville from Alabama. Senate Majority Leader John Thune has indicated plans to advance this legislation in the Senate.