The U.S. House of Representatives Tuesday passed the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act, introduced by Representative Greg Steube (R-Fla.), in a vote of 218-206-1.
The legislation aims to ensure that only biological females compete in women’s sports programs that receive federal funding, marking a significant legislative step in the ongoing debate surrounding fairness and inclusion in athletics.
“The House has delivered on its promise to protect women’s sports,” said Rep. Steube. “Americans are united in our belief that men have no place in women’s sports, whether it’s breaking records, entering locker rooms, or stealing scholarship opportunities. Denying biological truth erases fairness in sports and puts women’s safety and opportunities at risk. Today’s passage sends a clear message to the Senate—protecting women and girls in sports is not negotiable.”
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The legislation has drawn significant support from Republican lawmakers and advocacy groups, who argue that the bill upholds the original intent of Title IX protections for women and girls in athletics.
Education and Workforce Committee Chairman Tim Walberg lauded the bill’s passage, stating, “The strides women have made across all corners of the sports world deserve to be celebrated and protected. Yet, girls and women are losing opportunities to compete when a biological male enters the field. Allowing women and girls to suffer for the sake of the dishonesty of wokeness is inexcusable.”
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The Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act is supported by the Republican Study Committee (RSC) and boasts 83 cosponsors. RSC Chairman August Pfluger (R-TX) highlighted the significance of the legislation, stating, “For over fifty years, Title IX has opened doors for millions of young women. Now, we’re reinforcing those foundations with iron-clad protections that ensure fair competition remains truly fair.”
The bill also garnered endorsements from a range of organizations, including Independent Women’s Voice, Concerned Women for America Legislative Action Committee, Heritage Action for America, and the Family Research Council.
Rep. Steube has been a vocal advocate for preserving women’s sports, pushing for legislative action in multiple congressional sessions. During the 118th Congress, the bill was included in the Republican Conference’s Commitment to America platform and passed the House within the first 100 days of the Republican majority.
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The bill now heads to the Senate, where its fate remains uncertain. A similar companion bill introduced by Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) during the previous Congress was never brought to the floor under then-Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.).
“This legislation is about fairness, safety, and preserving the hard-earned opportunities for women and girls in sports,” said Steube. “I urge the Senate to act swiftly to protect the legacy of women’s athletics for future generations.”
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