Senate Democrats Block Transgender Athlete Ban in Women’s Sports

The Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act failed to advance after Democrats unanimously opposed the measure, citing concerns about enforcement and overreach.

The Senate voted 51-45 to block the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act, falling short of the 60 votes needed to overcome a filibuster.
The bill sought to ban transgender girls and women from participating in female sports teams in federally funded schools, defining sex based on reproductive biology at birth.
Democrats argued the legislation lacked clear enforcement mechanisms, raised privacy concerns, and constituted federal overreach into local and state sports policies.
Republicans, led by Sen. Tommy Tuberville, framed the bill as necessary to protect fairness and safety in women’s sports, citing broad public support in polls.
LGBTQ+ advocates praised Senate Democrats for their unified opposition, viewing the vote as a critical stand against broader efforts to curtail transgender rights.