Senate Blocks GOP Bill Banning Transgender Athletes in Women’s Sports

WASHINGTON — Senate Democrats voted unanimously Monday evening to block a Republican-led bill that would prohibit federally funded schools from allowing transgender athletes to participate in women’s sports. The Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act, introduced by Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., fell short of the necessary 60 votes to advance, recording a party-line vote of 51-45.

In dismissing the bill, Senate Democrats described it as a political distraction. Four senators—Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), and Peter Welch (D-Vt.)—did not participate in the vote.

The outcome of this legislation mirrors an earlier initiative proposed by President Donald Trump and is likely to feature prominently in Republican campaign discussions leading up to the 2024 elections. “Sen. Tuberville is trying to churn the social wars about something that really doesn’t exist,” said Sen. John Hickenlooper, D-Colo., who opposed the bill. Hickenlooper, who plans to run for re-election in 2026, emphasized that he does not believe transgender women should compete in women’s sports if their participation is contested by cisgender women.

“I saw the ads,” Hickenlooper added, referencing the upcoming election cycle. “That’s the kind of ad that works once. I don’t think it’ll work again.” A January poll reported that 79% of American adults oppose allowing transgender female athletes to compete in women’s sports, while only 18% support it.

Sen. Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., acknowledged the complexity of the issue but expressed confidence that Democrats should not be deterred by it. “If you’re running and you don’t have any other identity… these outside fringe issues are what is going to bring you down,” he said. He maintains that he focuses on advocating for policies that help all Arizonans achieve the American dream.

Sen. Gary Peters, D-Mich., not seeking re-election next year, stressed that the issue is not paramount for voters in his constituency. “This is not really an issue like in Michigan,” Peters maintained. He highlighted the disparity in representation among athletes affected by such policies. “There are hundreds of thousands of athletes, and there are like two individuals that are actually in this situation.”

While some Democrats remain unconcerned about backlash from voting against the bill, others are wary. Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., noted, “Watch my vote, and then you can extrapolate whether I’m worried about that s— or not,” immediately following his no vote.

Opposition to transgender athletes competing in women’s sports unites various factions within the Republican Party. Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, emphasized fairness and safety, stating, “This is a matter of fairness… Title IX is the law.”

In response to the bill’s defeat, Sen. Tuberville condemned the vote and pledged to continue advocating for the legislation. “This is far from over,” he declared on social media platform X. “I’ll NEVER stop fighting to protect women and girls.”