"Men can't become women:" US House approves ban on transgender athletes from women's sports

A divided US House of Representatives on Tuesday approved a legislation that aims to bar transgender women and girls from participating in school athletic programs designated for female students.  

The bill, known as the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act, was approved by a 218-206 vote, with two Texas Democrats breaking ranks to support the Republican-led measure.

 If enacted, it would become the first federal legislation targeting transgender rights.

The proposed law aims to amend Title IX to define gender as “reproductive biology and genetics at birth.” This definition effectively bans transgender athletes from competing in women's sports. 

“Throughout humanity, we have recognised as a species that there are women and there are men, as God created, who are biologically different,” Florida representative Greg Steube, who sponsored the bill, was quoted as saying by The Guardian

House Speaker Mike Johnson took to X to express his delight at the passage of law that will ensure "men cannot compete in women’s sports."

"Men are men, women are women, and men cannot become women. It’s just that simple," he further added.

However, the bill was not approved by the Senate, as Republicans needed significant Democratic support with seven votes to complete the number of 60 as Republicans clinched only 53 seats in the Senate.

Acording to The New York Times, they argued that this as a dangerous invasion of privacy for young girls that would put them at risk.

They argued that the bill is the latest example of Republicans' unhealthy fixation with attempts to restrict the rights of transgender individuals and distact attentions from pressing issues f  employment and inflation.

Over 400 civil organisations have condemned the legislation, warning that it could lead to intrusive investigations into students’ private medical information.

In 2023, Florida school officials abandoned a proposal to track students’ menstrual cycles following intense public backlash.