House Republicans Vote To Ban Transgender Athletes From Women Sports

House Republicans Vote To Ban Transgender Athletes From Women’s Sports

House Republicans voted Thursday to ban transgender female athletes from taking part in girls’ and women’s sports by amending Title IX protections to only apply to biologically female athletes.

The Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act passed 219-203, with no Democrats supporting the measure. Ten Democrats and three Republicans did not cast votes.

House GOP Conference Chairwoman Elise Stefanik (R-NY) said before the vote that she expected the “historic legislation” would “protect women and girls in sports,” calling out the “unfairness” of permitting biologically male athletes to compete against women.

 

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The issue has gained visibility in recent years after transgender athletes won a number of high-profile women’s events.

Lia Thomas, a University of Pennsylvania swimmer, left the school’s men’s team after three years to transition — and went on to win the 2022 women’s 500-yard NCAA title.

Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-NC), chairwoman of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, called the legislation “a monumental win for women and girls across our country”.

She criticized the Biden administration for “doubling down” on its recent Title IX proposal that would allow transgender athletes to compete alongside girls and women in prep and college sports.