WASHINGTON (TNND) — House Republicans passed a bill that would ban transgender women and girls who were born biologically male from participating in sports. The bill passed along mostly party-line lines, with only two Democrats joining all Republicans who voted for it.
The Protecting Women and Girls in Sports Act amended Title IX to prohibit it from applying to people who were born male and transitioned to female.
“It’s completely absurd that we actually have to pass a bill that says only women can participate in women’s sports, but we’re honored to join the fight,” said the bill’s sponsor, Republican Rep. Greg Steube of Florida. the lawmaker said.
Transgender rights played a big role in the 2024 election, but the prioritization of this bill as one of the first bills passed in the new Congressional term shows that Republicans want to make sure Americans identify with themselves. It shows that it continues to be an issue that people believe they are aligned with.
“President Trump ran on this, he ran ads on this, and I think the people have spoken very clearly where they stand on this issue,” said Rep. Riley Moore, Republican of Virginia. mentioned before.
Some Democrats also point to social issues such as transgender rights as reasons for the party’s poor performance in 2024. During debate on the bill, the party majority sought to label it unnecessary and predatory of children who are going through difficult childhoods. Democratic lawmakers who opposed the bill argued that it would violate the privacy of girls in schools.
“Republicans’ creepy, bizarre obsession with children’s private parts means they’re trying to pass a bill that would force them to search the insides of children’s pants,” said Representative Jim McGovern, D-Massachusetts. said.
About 3% of high school students identify as transgender, according to CDC data, but polls show a majority of Americans support restrictions on participation in school athletics. About half of the countries have passed laws restricting competition at the state level.
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) responded to the bill’s passage, saying, “My own daughters competed in competitive sports while growing up, and I can only imagine how angry I would feel as a father if their trophies were stolen. I have no choice but to do so.” aisle.
Democrats voiced their opposition and also sought to highlight the small number of transgender students participating in athletics.
“10 athletes out of 500,000 athletes. So that’s the scope we’re dealing with, so the House Republican conference is trying to make this happen rather than having a broader discussion that truly helps reduce costs and improve people’s lives.” We will choose to have a debate,” said Rep. Pete Aguilar (D). In California, we’re talking about the number of transgender athletes competing at the collegiate level.
The House had previously passed the bill in 2023, and Senate Democrats had chosen not to take it up. Senate Republicans may bring the bill to a vote this time, but it remains to be seen whether Democrats will join Republicans to get the necessary 60 votes on the floor. Republicans have a 53-47 majority.
