House of Representatives passes bill banning trans athletes from participating in women's competitions

The text specifies that federal financial assistance for sports benefits must be awarded based on one's biological and reproductive biology at birth.

Published by

Santiago Ospital

20 de abril, 2023

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The House of Representatives passed a bill Thursday that regulates the participation of transgender athletes in women's sports competitions.

The bill proposes adding an amendment to Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, which states:

"No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance."

If it passes, the "Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act of 2023" will include a text declaring that "sex shall be recognized based solely on a person’s reproductive biology and genetics at birth."

It would also clarify that men would be allowed to coach or participate in a women's and girls' athletic program, as long as women don't miss out on opportunities because of it. Team roster spots, scholarships or any other benefits will be given to "biological and genetic" women first.

Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act of 2023 by Santiago Adolfo Ospital on Scribd

Votes by party

The "Protecting Women and Girls in Sports Act of 2023" passed solely on Republican votes. 219 GOP legislators voted in favor and three chose not to vote. Ten Democrats chose not to vote and 203 voted against it.

For the bill to become law, it still has to be approved by a majority of the Senate, which is controlled by the Democrats.

In addition, Biden assured that he would veto the bill. In a statement issued last Monday, his administration argued that "a national law that further stigmatizes these children is completely unnecessary, hurts families and students, and would only put students at greater risk. Discrimination has no place in our nation’s schools or on our playing fields."

Earlier this month, the Department of Education proposed a change to Title IX regulations but for the opposite purpose: to protect the participation of trans athletes on women's teams.