The U.S. House of Representatives has passed a bill banning transgender girls and women from competing in women’s school sports, with Republicans at the forefront.
The bill, called the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act, has also been backed by two Democrats and would amend the current Title IX, which bans sex discrimination in schools.
Institutions that permit “a person whose sex is male to participate in an athletic program or activity that is designated for women or girls” would be at risk of foregoing federal funding under the act.
The bill passed with 218 votes for it and 206 against. Democratic representatives Henry Cuellar and Vincent Gonzalez sided with Republicans, per CBS.
“An overwhelming majority of Americans believe that men don’t belong in women’s sports and that we must allow common sense to prevail,” Republican Rep. Greg Steube of Florida said during a floor debate before the vote, having introduced the bill.
Also Read: Donald Trump Reveals His Policy On Transgenders In Sports Ahead Of His Second Term As U.S. President
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House of Representatives Floor Debate Featured Compelling Arguments
The Republicans argued that trans athletes have biological advantages that make competition unfair and unsafe for biological girls and women. Democrats countered by claiming the bill would encourage intrusive genital examinations on females.
Several Democrats expressed some concern over biological males being allowed to participate in women’s sports, though they still voted against the bill.
“Democrats spend way too much time trying not to offend anyone rather than being brutally honest about the challenges many Americans face,” Seth Moulton told the New York Times. “I have two little girls, I don’t want them getting run over on a playing field by a male or formerly male athlete, but as a Democrat I’m supposed to be afraid to say that.”
Moulton was among those who voted against the proposed ban despite his feelings on the matter.
