Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act of 2023
Impact
The proposed changes in HB 734 would potentially reshape the landscape of school athletics by restricting participation based on criteria that exclude many transgender athletes. Such legislation would align with the ongoing national discourse regarding transgender rights, particularly in relation to sports and educational environments governed by Title IX. By amending federal expectations for athletic programs that receive federal funding, the bill might compel educational institutions to reassess their policies to comply with this new definition of sex, thereby affecting their inclusivity practices.
Summary
House Bill 734, known as the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act of 2023, seeks to amend the Education Amendments of 1972. The primary goal of this legislation is to enforce a clear definition of 'sex' in athletics based solely on reproductive biology and genetics as determined at birth. This bill explicitly states that individuals identified as male at birth are not permitted to participate in athletic programs designated for women and girls. This change aims to maintain the integrity and fairness of women's sports by preventing competitive advantages perceived to arise from the inclusion of transgender women in female sports categories.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding HB 734 is notably divided. Supporters argue that the bill is a crucial step for protecting the rights and opportunities of biological females in sports, framing it as a matter of fairness and safety. Conversely, opponents view the bill as discriminatory, positing that it undermines the rights and identities of transgender individuals and could exacerbate stigma against transgender youth. The discussions surrounding the bill reflect a broader cultural struggle over gender identity, rights, and how they intersect with competitive fairness in sports.
Contention
Key points of contention in the debate over HB 734 include concerns over the implications for transgender athletes, particularly female athletes classified as male at birth, who may no longer be able to compete in women's sports. Critics argue that this law could hinder emotional and mental well-being for transgender youth by enforcing a binary view of gender in environments that should encourage inclusivity. Proponents assert that the primary goal of the bill is to ensure a level playing field for all female athletes and to preserve the foundation of women's sports as expressly designated for women.
Related
Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act of 2023
US HR298
Related
Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 734) to amend the Education Amendments of 1972 to provide that for purposes of determining compliance with title IX of such Act in athletics, sex shall be recognized based solely on a person's reproductive biology and genetics at birth, and providing for consideration of the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 42) disapproving the action of the District of Columbia Council in approving the Comprehensive Policing and Justice Reform Amendment Act of 2022.
Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act of 2025This bill generally prohibits school athletic programs from allowing individuals whose biological sex at birth was male to participate in programs that are for women or girls.Specifically, the bill provides that it is a violation of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 for federally funded education programs or activities to operate, sponsor, or facilitate athletic programs or activities that allow individuals of the male sex to participate in programs or activities that are designated for women or girls. (Title IX prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in federally funded education programs or activities, including in public elementary and secondary schools and in colleges and universities.) Under the bill, sex is based on an individual's reproductive biology and genetics at birth.The bill does not prohibit male individuals from training or practicing with programs or activities for women or girls as long as such training or practice does not deprive any female of corresponding opportunities or benefits.The Government Accountability Office must report on the benefits for women or girls in single-sex sports that would be lost as a result of male participation. In particular, the report must document the negative psychological, developmental, participatory, and sociological effects of male participation on girls.
A resolution supporting the observation of "National Girls & Women in Sports Day" on February 1, 2023, to raise awareness of and celebrate the achievements of girls and women in sports.
Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act of 2025This bill generally prohibits school athletic programs from allowing individuals whose biological sex at birth was male to participate in programs that are for women or girls.Specifically, the bill provides that it is a violation of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 for federally funded education programs or activities to operate, sponsor, or facilitate athletic programs or activities that allow individuals of the male sex to participate in programs or activities that are designated for women or girls. (Title IX prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in federally funded education programs or activities, including in public elementary and secondary schools and in colleges and universities.) Under the bill, sex is based on an individual's reproductive biology and genetics at birth.
Supporting the designation of the week including June 23, 2023, as "National Women's Sports Week" to celebrate the anniversary of the passage of title IX and the growth of women's sports.
Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 734) to amend the Education Amendments of 1972 to provide that for purposes of determining compliance with title IX of such Act in athletics, sex shall be recognized based solely on a person's reproductive biology and genetics at birth, and providing for consideration of the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 42) disapproving the action of the District of Columbia Council in approving the Comprehensive Policing and Justice Reform Amendment Act of 2022.