The US House of Representatives passed a bill on Tuesday aimed at banning transgender women and girls from participating in school sports programs meant for female students.
The legislation, called the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act, was approved by a vote of 218-206, with two Democrats from Texas joining Republicans in support of the measure.
If signed into law, it would be the first federal legislation directly addressing transgender rights.
The bill seeks to amend Title IX by defining gender based on “reproductive biology and genetics at birth.” This change would effectively prohibit transgender athletes from competing in women’s sports.
Florida Representative Greg Steube, who sponsored the bill, stated, “Throughout history, we’ve recognized that there are biological differences between men and women, as created by God.”
House Speaker Mike Johnson expressed his approval on social media, celebrating the bill as a step to ensure “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.”