In a decisive move, the U.S. House of Representatives recently approved the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act, marking the first bill passed in the 119th Congress. This legislation garnered unanimous support from Republicans, but only two Democrats joined their ranks, Representatives Henry Cuellar and Vicente Gonzales of Texas. The remaining House Democrats voted against the measure, with one voting "present."
The bill's passage sparked immediate reactions. Republican lawmakers and women's sports advocates held a press conference denouncing the Democratic opposition. House Speaker Mike Johnson expressed his disappointment, calling the lack of broader Democratic support "shameful" and suggesting political motivations were at play. He emphasized the public's desire for common-sense solutions.
Riley Gaines, a former NCAA swimmer and outspoken advocate for female athletes, also criticized the Democrats who voted against the bill. Gaines, who is currently involved in a lawsuit against the NCAA over its transgender athlete policies, addressed concerns raised by opponents regarding potential examination procedures for sports eligibility, dismissing them as "weird fearmongering."
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries took to social media to condemn the legislation, alleging, without providing specifics, that it would expose girls and young women to predators. Fox News Digital's request for clarification from Jeffries' office received a dismissive response.
Gaines further challenged those who deemed the bill a "waste of time," asserting that this sentiment devalues female athletes nationwide. She highlighted the message it sends to girls aspiring to compete.
Representative Greg Steube, who reintroduced the bill after a previous attempt failed in 2023, criticized Democrats' history of supporting transgender inclusion in women's sports. He expressed disbelief that legislation was necessary to affirm that women's sports should be for biological women.
The Biden administration's actions on transgender issues, including a 2021 executive order and subsequent Title IX interpretations, have drawn criticism for potentially increasing the presence of biological males in female sports. Democrats have also put forward legislation like the Equality Act and a Transgender Bill of Rights, furthering transgender inclusion efforts.
These positions, however, may have contributed to Republican gains in the recent election, with Trump and other candidates leveraging the issue in campaign advertisements. Exit polls suggest the topic resonated with moderate voters. Macy Petty, a legislative strategist for Concerned Women for America, lamented the largely partisan nature of the vote and stressed the importance of protecting women's sports.
