Senate Democrats blocked a bill aimed at protecting women’s sports leagues in schools by preventing male athletes who identify as females from competing. The motion to invoke cloture on Sen. Tommy Tuberville’s "Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act" failed by a vote of 51-45, falling short of the 60 votes needed to proceed to a final vote for passage. The bill seeks to ensure that sex in athletics is determined solely based on a person’s reproductive biology and genetics at birth.
Sen. Tuberville expressed disappointment over the block, emphasizing that a majority of Americans agree that men should not compete in women’s sports. The House had previously passed a similar bill, with support from two Democrats. If the Senate were to approve its version, both chambers of Congress would need to reconcile their bills.
Opponents of the legislation have raised concerns about potential invasive consequences, including physical inspections. President Trump had previously signed an executive order to keep men out of women’s sports in federally funded schools, and the White House had shown strong support for Tuberville’s bill.
Despite the setback, Tuberville remains committed to fighting for the protection of women and girls in sports. The issue continues to spark debate and calls for further action to address the concerns raised by both supporters and opponents of the legislation.