Senate Democrats recently came together to stop a Republican measure aimed at preventing biological men from competing in women’s sports at schools and colleges that receive federal funding.
The legislation, called the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act of 2025, was introduced by Senator Tommy Tuberville from Alabama. Although the proposal received a majority of support with a 51-45 vote, it fell short of the required three-fifths supermajority needed to move forward.
The bill sought to change Title IX, a 1972 law that prohibits discrimination based on sex. It aimed to clarify that “sex” refers only to one’s biological and genetic attributes at birth, not their gender identity. Essentially, this would mean that biological men identifying as transgender women would not be allowed to compete in women’s sports.
Kristen Waggoner, president of Alliance Defending Freedom, expressed her disappointment regarding the Senate’s decision. She emphasized that women and girls should have their own spaces in sports, advocating for fairness and dignity both on the field and in locker rooms.
On the other side, Mike Zamore from the American Civil Liberties Union praised the Democrats for opposing the bill. He argued that the legislation is part of a broader movement to marginalize transgender individuals in society. Zamore highlighted the importance of creating fair opportunities for all girls and women, without imposing harmful restrictions.
Interestingly, this issue of competition has deep roots. On the first day of Donald Trump’s presidency, he signed an executive order that threatened to cut federal funding to schools allowing biological men to compete in women’s athletics. This move prompted various responses, including lawsuits from Democratic states. The NCAA also revised its rules to limit competition to biological women in certain contexts.
While the new bill mirrors Trump’s executive order, it’s important to note that executive orders can be reversed. Laws, however, can only be changed through Congress, making codification into law significant.
Recently, two committees from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops expressed their support for Trump’s executive order. They welcomed the decision as a victory for the fairness and safety of women and girls in sports.
This ongoing debate reflects larger conversations about gender, fairness, and sports in our society. As opinions remain divided, the impact on athletes and the community continues to unfold.
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