US House approved bill banning transgender students from women’s sports

The U.S. House of Representatives, led by a Republican majority, has approved a contentious bill aimed at barring transgender athletes from participating in girls’ and women’s sports in federally funded educational institutions.

The legislation, which narrowly passed with 218 votes—two of which came from Democrats—defines gender strictly as “determined by reproductive biology and genetics at birth.” If enacted, it would prevent transgender students from joining athletic teams designated for women or girls in schools and universities receiving federal funding.

Supporters of the bill argue that it is necessary to ensure fairness in women’s sports. “This is about protecting the integrity of competition and standing up for women across the country,” said House Speaker Mike Johnson, who lauded the bill as a significant step for gender equality in athletics.

However, critics have denounced the move as discriminatory and harmful to transgender youth. Equality California, a prominent advocacy group, called the measure “an attack on the dignity and humanity of transgender individuals.”

The bill arrives at a time when issues surrounding transgender rights have become a central theme in broader cultural and political debates in the United States. Many Republicans see the topic as a pivotal issue in the lead-up to the 2024 elections, leveraging it to energize their voter base.

Despite its passage in the House, the bill faces significant hurdles in the Senate, where a 60-vote threshold is required for most legislation. Given the chamber’s current composition, it is unlikely to gain enough bipartisan support to advance.

President-elect Donald Trump, known for his conservative stance on social issues, has pledged to address what he calls “transgender extremism” upon taking office. “This nonsense has gone on long enough,” Trump declared at a recent rally, emphasizing his support for similar measures nationwide.

As the debate over transgender rights intensifies, the issue of inclusion in sports has become a focal point for both sides, highlighting the evolving landscape of gender identity and equality in America. Advocates for LGBTQ+ rights warn that such legislation could further marginalize transgender youth, while proponents of the bill stress the importance of safeguarding opportunities for women in sports.

The legislation now awaits further action in the Senate, where its outcome will serve as a litmus test for the nation’s divided perspectives on gender and equality.