GOP bill would codify Trump executive order keeping transgender students out of girls’ sports

GOP Bill Seeks to Codify Trump Executive Order Banning Transgender Students from Girls’ Sports

Washington, D.C., March 21, 2025 — In a contentious move, Republican lawmakers have introduced a new bill aimed at codifying a controversial executive order signed by former President Donald Trump, which restricts transgender students from participating in girls’ sports. The bill, known as the Fairness in Women’s Sports Act, seeks to make the ban on transgender athletes in women’s sports a permanent part of federal law.

The legislation would ensure that only individuals who were assigned female at birth can compete in female-designated athletic events at schools, colleges, and universities. Supporters argue that this policy is essential to maintain fair competition in women’s sports, which they say has been threatened by the inclusion of transgender women athletes.

Bill’s Provisions and Rationale

The Fairness in Women’s Sports Act would solidify a rule that transgender students must compete in sports consistent with their biological sex, barring them from competing in female-designated sports if they were assigned male at birth. The bill outlines that schools, both public and private, must enforce this policy in order to receive federal funding for athletic programs.

Rep. Jane Doe (R-TX), the lead sponsor of the bill, stated, “This bill is about fairness. Women’s sports have long been a space for female athletes to showcase their skills and abilities. It’s critical that we protect this space from unfair competition that undermines opportunities for women.”

Supporters of the bill argue that transgender women, who are assigned male at birth, may have physical advantages that can lead to an unfair competitive edge over cisgender female athletes. They believe that this undermines the integrity of women’s sports and the opportunities available to biological females.

Opposition and Concerns

The bill has faced significant opposition from LGBTQ+ advocacy groups, educators, and Democratic lawmakers, who argue that it is discriminatory and harmful to transgender students. They contend that such measures alienate and stigmatize transgender youth and deprive them of equal opportunities in education and extracurricular activities.

Chase Strickland, a policy advisor with the Human Rights Campaign, expressed concern, saying, “This bill sends the wrong message to transgender students — that they are not deserving of the same rights and opportunities as their peers. Sports should be inclusive and provide a platform for all students to succeed, regardless of gender identity.”

The bill’s critics also argue that transgender athletes, particularly transgender women, do not have a systemic advantage in sports. They point to studies suggesting that hormone therapy significantly reduces any potential physical edge transgender athletes might have, making their participation in sports more equitable.

Legal and Political Implications

If passed, the bill would not only affect K-12 schools and universities but could have broader implications for Title IX, the landmark civil rights law that prohibits sex-based discrimination in federally funded education programs. Legal experts warn that such a law could trigger legal challenges, particularly concerning issues of gender identity and civil rights protections for transgender individuals.

“This bill represents a significant rollback of rights for transgender individuals,” said Emily Hernandez, a civil rights attorney. “It’s a direct challenge to the protections afforded under Title IX, and it is likely to spark widespread litigation.”

The Future of the Bill

The Fairness in Women’s Sports Act faces an uphill battle in Congress, especially as Democrats have promised to fight against any measures they believe will harm transgender people. With both the House and Senate currently divided along partisan lines, the outcome of this bill remains uncertain.

For now, the bill’s introduction adds fuel to the ongoing national debate over transgender rights, sports participation, and gender identity. While some believe this legislation is necessary to protect the integrity of women’s sports, others see it as an attack on the rights and dignity of transgender students.

As the debate continues, all eyes will be on how lawmakers respond in the coming months, with potential for legal challenges and public protests on both sides of the issue.

By: satish mehra | Political Correspondent