The U.S. House of Representatives has passed the “Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act of 2025,” which seeks to prohibit transgender women and girls from participating in female-designated school sports. The bill passed with a 219-203 vote along party lines.

The legislation aims to amend Title IX to define sex based on “reproductive biology and genetics at birth,” effectively barring transgender athletes assigned male at birth from competing in women’s and girls’ sports teams.

Supporters argue that the bill is necessary to ensure fairness in women’s sports, citing cases where transgender athletes have competed against cisgender women. For instance, Rep. Greg Steube (R-Fla.) highlighted the case of swimmer Lia Thomas, who won a national collegiate title in women’s swimming in 2022.

Opponents, including civil rights groups and many Democrats, contend that the bill discriminates against transgender youth, further isolating and stigmatizing them. They emphasize that participation in school athletics is crucial for community inclusion and personal development.

The bill now advances to the Senate, where it faces significant challenges. Despite a Republican majority, the Senate’s filibuster rule requires 60 votes for most legislation, making the bill’s passage uncertain. Additionally, President Joe Biden has indicated he would veto the bill if it reached his desk, describing it as discriminatory.

This legislative move is part of a broader national debate on transgender rights, with at least 20 states having implemented similar restrictions on transgender athletes at the K-12 or collegiate level.