House Passes Controversial Bill Restricting Transgender Athletes In Women’s Sports

In a closely watched vote on Tuesday, the House of Representatives passed a measure to restrict transgender students from competing on women’s sports teams. The legislation, known as H.R. 28, was approved by a 218-206 margin, with two Democrats joining Republicans and one voting present.

A cornerstone of the GOP's education agenda, the bill seeks to ban transgender women from participating in sports teams that align with their gender identity. It also amends Title IX, the federal law that prohibits sex-based discrimination in education, to define sex strictly based on reproductive biology and genetics at birth. While the bill allows transgender students to train or practice with women's teams, it bars them from competition.

President-elect Donald Trump, who highlighted transgender rights and inclusion as key campaign issues, has endorsed the legislation, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing debate. For many Republicans, the bill is a strategic move to put pressure on Democrats, who have been divided on the issue since the 2024 elections.

The measure saw bipartisan support, with Texas Democrats Henry Cuellar and Vicente Gonzalez voting in favor. North Carolina Democrat Don Davis voted present. Notably, Representatives Seth Moulton (Mass.) and Tom Suozzi (N.Y.) expressed concerns about the impact of transgender athletes in women's sports but ultimately voted against the measure.

During the House debate, Republican lawmakers argued the bill is essential to maintaining the integrity of women's sports and ensuring equal opportunities for female athletes. They raised concerns about the physical advantages of transgender athletes and the potential risks to cisgender women.

“Kicking girls off sports teams to make way for biological males takes opportunities away from these girls,” stated House Education and Workforce Chair Tim Walberg. “This means fewer college scholarships and fewer opportunities for girls. It also makes them second-class citizens in their own sports and puts their safety at risk. The Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act offers a new promise to America's women and girls.”

In contrast, Democrats criticized the bill as discriminatory and dangerous. They argued it targets a small, vulnerable group—fewer than 10 transgender athletes currently compete in the NCAA—and undermines the social and emotional benefits of sports participation. They also raised concerns about privacy violations and the potential for invasive sex testing.

“There is no way this so-called protection bill could be enforced without opening the door to harassment and privacy violations,” said Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (D-Ore.), highlighting the lack of guidelines on enforcement. Rep. Sarah McBride (D-Del.), the first openly transgender member of Congress, echoed these concerns, questioning how the bill would be implemented.

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) praised the passage of the bill, framing it as a victory for common sense and the preservation of women’s sports. He noted the bipartisan support, though only two Democrats joined Republicans in the vote.

Advocacy groups swiftly condemned the bill, warning of its harmful impact on transgender students. Fatima Goss Graves, president of the National Women’s Law Center, emphasized the importance of inclusivity in sports and pledged continued support for transgender students.

As the measure heads to the Senate, its fate remains uncertain. While Senate Republicans are pushing a similar bill, it would require some Democratic support to pass. Meanwhile, President-elect Trump has hinted at the possibility of issuing an executive order to address the issue once he takes office.