The Republican-controlled House approves a bill intending to limit transgender girls and women from participating in school sports, but its fate in the Senate is unclear.
The U.S. House of Representatives has approved a contentious bill intended to restrict transgender girls and women from participating in school sports, igniting a nationwide discussion on the rights of transgender student-athletes.
The bill, called the 'Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act of 2025,' passed with a 218-206 vote, primarily along party lines, with two Democrats, Henry Cuellar and Vicente Gonzalez, supporting it.
The bill now advances to the Senate, where its future is uncertain due to the filibuster rule, which requires a 60-vote majority for most legislation.
The legislation is backed by Republicans, including Speaker Mike
Johnson, who cited religious reasons for the restrictions.
'According to Scripture and nature, men are men, and women are women, and men cannot become women,'
Johnson said after the vote.
The bill aims to amend Title IX, the groundbreaking 1972 law that prohibits sex-based discrimination in education, by defining gender based on a person's 'reproductive biology and genetics at birth.' This would effectively prevent transgender women from participating in women's sports.
While it allows transgender women to practice with female teams, the bill states they must not 'deprive' any female athletes of competitive opportunities.
The bill has become a focal point in the ongoing political debate over transgender rights, with critics arguing that it discriminates against transgender students and could result in harmful government oversight of individuals' gender identities.
Transgender rights have become increasingly contentious in U.S. politics, especially in sports, where high-profile cases, such as Lia Thomas' victory in the 2022 NCAA women's swimming championship, have sparked intense debate.
Currently, 25 states have enacted laws limiting transgender athletes' participation in school sports, a trend that has garnered significant attention.
The bill also raises concerns among some Democrats, like Representative Pete Aguilar, who cautioned that it could lead to unnecessary 'government inspections' of transgender students, a point that alarms critics claiming it infringes on privacy rights.
Transgender athletes already face varying regulations at different competitive levels.
The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) bases eligibility on individual sports and guidance from international sports organizations, though many argue the rules are inconsistent and inadequate.
Despite passing in the House, the bill's future in the Senate remains uncertain.
While Republicans control the chamber, the bill would need significant bipartisan support to overcome the filibuster rule, casting doubt on its chances of success.
Democratic senators have expressed strong opposition, with some pledging to vigorously oppose the bill.
The measure's introduction highlights the growing prominence of transgender issues in U.S. politics, particularly as the LGBTQ+ community continues to seek broader legal protections.
In a symbolic move, Democratic Representative Sarah McBride was sworn in as the first openly transgender member of Congress earlier this month, bringing attention to the intersection of LGBTQ+ rights and governance.
As this legislative battle unfolds, the debate over transgender rights in sports is set to remain a central issue in the American political scene.