U.S. House Passes Bill Restricting Transgender Athletes In Women’s Sports

The U.S. House of Representatives has approved the “Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act,” aiming to prohibit transgender women from participating in female sports categories. House Speaker Mike Johnson announced the development on X, stating, “Today is a great day in America because House Republicans just passed @RepGregSteube’s Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act ensuring men cannot compete in women’s sports.” He added, “Men are men, women are women, and men cannot become women. It’s just that simple.”

The bill passed with a 218-206 vote, with two Democrats joining Republicans in favor. It proposes amendments to Title IX, defining sex based on reproductive biology and genetics at birth, and seeks to withhold federal funding from educational institutions that allow transgender women to compete in women’s sports.

The legislation now advances to the Senate, where its future remains uncertain. The Senate’s filibuster rule requires a 60-vote threshold for passage, posing a significant hurdle. President-elect Donald Trump has expressed support for such measures, indicating a potential shift in federal policy upon his inauguration.

This legislative move mirrors previous actions during Trump’s administration, notably the 2017 announcement banning transgender individuals from military service. That policy was later reversed by President Joe Biden in 2021.

The current bill has sparked considerable debate, with proponents arguing it ensures fair competition in women’s sports, while opponents view it as discriminatory against transgender athletes. The outcome in the Senate will determine whether this bill becomes law, potentially influencing the landscape of athletic participation rights in the United States.