State legislative records and announcements

House Passes H.R. 28 to Ban Biological Males from Women's Sports; Two Democrats Support

Jan 14, 2025, 09:52 PM

On January 14, 2025, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 28, the 'Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act,' which seeks to ban biological males from participating in women's and girls' sports at schools receiving federal funding under Title IX. The bill, sponsored by Republican Rep. Greg Steube of Florida, passed largely along party lines, with only two Democrats, Reps. Vicente Gonzalez and Henry Cuellar of Texas, joining Republicans in support. Speaker Mike Johnson declared, 'Biology is not bigotry,' emphasizing the bill's aim to reaffirm Title IX's original intent. Proponents argue the legislation is necessary to ensure fairness and safety in women's sports. However, numerous Democratic lawmakers criticized the bill, labeling it the 'Child Predator Empowerment Act' and expressing concerns that it could subject girls as young as four to invasive physical examinations to 'prove' their gender. The bill now advances to the Senate for consideration.