Tennis icon Martina Navratilova publicly expressed her strong disapproval after Senate Democrats unanimously voted against the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act, preventing it from overcoming a filibuster. The bill, spearheaded by Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), fell short of the 60 votes needed to proceed, securing only 51 affirmative votes, all from Republicans. With two Democrats and two Republicans absent, the final tally stood at 51-45.
Billie Jean King (left) and Martina Navratilova in the Royal Box at Wimbledon, July 6, 2019. (Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports)
Navratilova, an 18-time Grand Slam champion, voiced her anger on social media platform X. Despite her Democratic affiliation, she has consistently criticized her party's stance on preventing biological males from competing in women's sports. This isn't the first time Navratilova has spoken out on this issue. She previously condemned Democrats for what she perceived as inaction when former President Trump signed the "No Men in Women’s Sports" executive order. She also expressed her discontent when the House of Representatives passed a similar bill earlier this year, with minimal Democratic support.
Martina Navratilova at the 2024 French Open. (Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images)
The Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act aims to define gender in Title IX based solely on biological sex at birth, precluding considerations of gender identity. The bill, which had over 40 co-sponsors, sought to solidify the policy established by Trump's executive order.
Martina Navratilova at the 2023 WTA Finals in Cancun. (Artur Widak/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Contribution from Fox News’ Julia Johnson.
