House Passes Bill to Ban Transgender Student-Athletes from Women’s Sports
The House passed legislation on Tuesday that would ban transgender athletes from participating in women’s and girls’ sports at schools and institutions receiving federal funds.
Bill Amends Federal Law
The bill, which would also amend federal law to say that “sex shall be recognized based solely on a person’s reproductive biology and genetics at birth,” was approved largely along party lines in a 218 to 206 vote.
Democratic Opposition
Only two Texas Democrats, Reps. Henry Cuellar and Vicente Gonzalez, voted for the measure. Rep. Don Davis, D-N.C., voted present, and no Republicans opposed the measure.
Bill Heads to the Senate
The bill now heads to the Senate, where it will face an uncertain fate.
Supporters of the Bill
Rep. Greg Steube, R-Fla., who sponsored the legislation, argued that it was aimed at protecting women’s sports.
“The distinction between men and women is clear and evident, and the erasure of this division has been promulgated by those in the radical left who seek to dismantle the core foundation of our society,” Steube said on the House floor before the vote. “We must never let our country and the American way of life surrender to this immoral ideology.”
Opponents of the Bill
Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., introduced legislation on Monday night that would ban transgender women from using female bathrooms in the Capitol.
Rep. Lori Trahan, D-Mass., the only woman in Congress who played Division I college sports, said Republicans were using the measure to “inject themselves into decisions they have no business making.”
“I have long placed my trust in the governing bodies of sports — the experts who have dedicated their lives to these games — to create fair and responsible rules for participation,” Trahan said in floor remarks.
Controversy and Criticism
Trahan and other Democrats have referred to the bill as the “Child Predator Empowerment Act,” arguing that it puts at risk the safety of children in schools and could expose them to questioning and inspection of their bodies.
Previous Attempts
The bill passed the House in the last Congress in April 2023 with no Democratic support and did not advance in the Senate, which at the time was controlled by Democrats. Republicans now hold the majority.
Conclusion
The House’s passage of this bill is a controversial move that has sparked debate and criticism from both sides of the aisle. While supporters argue that it is necessary to protect women’s sports, opponents see it as a step backwards for transgender rights and a risk to the safety of children in schools.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does the bill do?
A: The bill bans transgender athletes from participating in women’s and girls’ sports at schools and institutions receiving federal funds.
Q: How did the bill pass?
A: The bill passed the House with a vote of 218 to 206, largely along party lines.
Q: What happens next?
A: The bill now heads to the Senate, where it will face an uncertain fate.
Q: What do supporters of the bill say?
A: Supporters argue that the bill is necessary to protect women’s sports and maintain the distinction between men and women.
Q: What do opponents of the bill say?
A: Opponents argue that the bill is discriminatory and puts at risk the safety of children in schools, as well as the rights of transgender individuals.
