The U.S House of Representatives passed legislation Tuesday that if made law would ban transgender athletes from participating in girls' and women's sports in public schools.
As reported by CBS News, the "Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act," passed 218 to 206, with and one representative voting present. Two Democrats joined all Republicans in support of the bill, which now heads to the Senate.
The bill would amend Title IX to recognize a person's "sex" as "based solely on a person's reproductive biology and genetics at birth."
Those in favor argued that transgender athletes who were born male would have unfair biological advantages over girls and women, which could post safety issues during sports competition.
"An overwhelming majority of Americans believe that men don't belong in women's sports and that we must allow common sense to prevail," said Republican Greg Steube of Florida, who introduced the bill.
Those against it said it could lead to intrusive genital examinations of the student-athletes.
"We're already seeing examples of harassment and questioning of girls who may not conform to stereotypical feminine roles," said Democrat Suzanne Bonamici of Oregon.
"Institutions that allow "a person whose sex is male to participate in an athletic program or activity that is designated for women or girls" would risk losing federal funding," Isabel Gonzales reported for CBS News. "However, the legislative text also says the bill does not prohibit institutions 'from permitting males to train or practice with an athletic program or activity that is designated for women or girls so long as no female is deprived of a roster spot on a team or sport, opportunity to participate in a practice or competition, scholarship, admission to an educational institution, or any other benefit that accompanies participating in the athletic program or activity.' "
As reported by CBS News, about 3% of high school students identify as transgender according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
