WASHINGTON, DC (LOOTPRESS) – Senate Democrats on Monday blocked a Republican-led bill that sought to ban transgender athletes from participating in women’s and girls’ sports at federally funded schools and educational institutions.
The bill fell short in a 51-45 party-line vote, underscoring the Republicans’ narrow majority in Congress. Despite holding 53 Senate seats, the GOP needed support from at least seven Democrats to reach the 60-vote threshold required to overcome a filibuster.
The proposed legislation aimed to amend federal law by defining sex based solely on reproductive biology and genetics at birth in determining compliance with Title IX, the federal law that prohibits sex-based discrimination in education. Republicans argue that transgender women have a physical advantage over cisgender women in sports, which they claim could limit opportunities for others.
Democrats, however, strongly opposed the bill, calling it discriminatory and part of a broader effort to undermine LGBTQ rights, particularly those of transgender youth. They argue that such policies exacerbate discrimination and harm the well-being of transgender students.
The Senate vote follows a similar measure passed by the GOP-led House in January, which passed 218-206, with two Democrats supporting it and one voting “present.” Meanwhile, Republican-led states across the country continue to introduce legislation aimed at restricting transgender students from participating in sports teams that align with their gender identity.
