Transgender bill barring men from women’s sports to get floor vote in newly GOP-led Senate
Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., is spearheading a renewed effort in the newly Republican-led Senate to prevent biological males from participating in women’s and girls’ sports. The Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act, a measure originally introduced by Tuberville in 2023, is set to receive a floor vote with the approval of leadership.
The legislation aims to uphold Title IX’s recognition of gender based solely on a person’s reproductive biology and genetics at birth, without adjusting it to accommodate gender identity. Under the act, federal funding would be prohibited from supporting athletic programs that allow biological males, including transgender individuals, to compete in women’s and girls’ sports.
Senator Tuberville, a staunch advocate for safeguarding women’s and girls’ sports, emphasized the importance of preserving fair competition and protecting the rights of female athletes. He highlighted the overwhelming public support for such measures, citing that 70% of Americans agree that men do not belong in women’s sports or locker rooms.
In a statement to Fox News Digital, Tuberville expressed his commitment to ensuring that his granddaughter, who is expected to arrive this spring, will have the opportunity to compete fairly in sports. He urged his colleagues to join him in supporting the bill and standing up for the rights of daughters, nieces, and granddaughters.
The legislation has garnered support from 23 Republican senators, including prominent figures such as Sens. James Risch, Mike Crapo, and Thom Tillis. Tuberville is working closely with President-elect Donald Trump to ensure that fair competition remains a priority under the new administration.
With Majority Leader John Thune overseeing the Senate, Tuberville’s bill has received the necessary approval to advance to a vote, potentially occurring by the end of the week. Democrats will be compelled to take a stance on the transgender issue, which became a contentious topic during the 2024 presidential election.
The Biden administration’s previous attempt to alter Title IX by including protections for gender identity faced significant backlash and legal challenges. Ultimately, the proposed rule change was withdrawn in a last-minute move, reflecting the enduring debate surrounding transgender participation in women’s sports.
As the debate continues to unfold, Senator Tuberville’s initiative underscores the ongoing efforts to uphold the integrity of women’s and girls’ sports and ensure a level playing field for all athletes. The push to prevent biological males from competing in female sports remains a critical issue that will shape the future of athletic competition in the United States.
