House Republicans passed a bill Tuesday to bar transgender student-athletes from competing in girls’ sports.
The Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act would amend Title IX — the federal civil rights law prohibiting sex discrimination in schools that receive government funding — to prohibit schools from allowing transgender girls or women to participate in athletic programs or activities “designated for women or girls.”
The bill defines sex as “based solely on a person’s reproductive biology and genetics at birth.”
It passed in a 218-206 vote, with two Democrats joining all Republicans in support. Three Republicans and six Democrats did not vote, and one Democrat voted “present.”
Texas Reps. Vicente Gonzalez and Henry Cuellar were the two lone Democratic “yes” votes.
Rep. Greg Steube, R-Fla., is the bill’s sponsor. He said the legislation is meant to preserve Title IX’s original intent of guaranteeing equal opportunities for men and women.
Senate Republicans have said they plan to take up the bill soon.
The change would apply to all federally funded schools from kindergarten through high school, as well as colleges and universities that receive federal dollars.
Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., challenged Democrats on the bill at his weekly press conference on Tuesday.
"Everyone's talking about their children today. I've got two sons and two daughters, and we see the difference. Of course everyone does. And it's kind of silly to deny it," Johnson said. "The American people sent a clear message in November. They want us to return to common sense, and we're going to see if Democrats have heard that message."
Riley Gaines, a former University of Kentucky swimmer who was forced to compete against a transgender swimmer in the NCAA swim meet, has championed the bill and was present Tuesday when the results from the House were finalized.
Gaines criticized those who said the bill was "a waste of time."
"I heard that this bill is a waste of time and let me tell you the message I received when I heard that, it's that I am a waste of time. Girls around the country, just like me, are a waste of time. Your daughters are a waste of time to all House Democrats except for two."
The bill likely faces an uphill battle in the Senate due to the tight margin of partisan control.
Senate Republicans have 53 seats. Typically, that would mean that at least seven Democrats would need to vote with Republicans to hit the 60-vote threshold to advance a bill subject to a filibuster.
House Speaker Mike Johnson of La., center, speaks during a news conference after the House passed a measure that would ban transgender women and girls from school sports programs aimed at female students on Capitol Hill, Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)
