House GOP Fast-Tracks Transgender Sports Ban

The newly Republican-controlled 119th Congress has fast-tracked the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act, which aims to prevent biological males from competing in women's sports by amending Title IX to define sex based solely on reproductive biology and genetics at birth. Sponsored by Rep. Greg Steube and co-sponsored by 56 Republicans, the bill is positioned as a top priority for the GOP, reflecting their commitment to protecting women's sports. The legislation would prohibit federal funding for athletic programs that allow transgender individuals to participate in women's events and includes a provision for studying the impacts of this policy on female athletes. Proponents, including Sen. Tommy Tuberville, emphasize that this measure aligns with public sentiment, asserting that 70% of Americans support the exclusion of men from women's sports. The bill is expected to pass in the House, where Republicans hold a significant majority, though it previously stalled in the Senate under Democratic leadership.