On March 3, 2025, the U.S. Senate held a crucial vote on S.9, the “Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act of 2025.”
The bill, introduced by Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) with support from 39 Republican co-sponsors, aimed to ensure that only biological females participate in women’s and girls’ sports at federally funded schools.
Despite strong support from Republican senators, the bill fell short of the 60 votes needed to proceed, with a final tally of 51-45 along party lines.
Nevada Sens. Catherine Cortez Masto and Jacky Rosen, both Democrats, voted against the bill.
The proposed law sought to amend Title IX, the landmark 1972 law that prohibits sex discrimination in federally funded education programs, including athletics.
S.9 defined sex based on reproductive biology and genetics at birth, effectively barring transgender women and girls—those assigned male at birth—from competing in female sports categories.
The bill applied to all educational institutions receiving federal funds, from elementary schools to universities.
Supporters of the bill argued it was a necessary step to preserve fairness in women’s sports. They pointed out that the original intent of Title IX was to create equal opportunities for women, and allowing biological males to compete against females could undermine those gains.
Proponents also emphasized physical differences that could give transgender women an advantage in certain sports.
Critics, including Democrats and LGBTQ+ advocates, called the bill discriminatory and harmful to transgender youth. They argued that it targeted a very small population—fewer than 10 transgender athletes among 500,000 NCAA competitors, according to NCAA testimony.
Some also warned that enforcing the law could lead to invasive measures that might negatively affect all female athletes.
Rep. Bobby Scott (D-VA) sharply criticized the bill, labeling it the “Child Predator Empowerment Act” and suggesting it would harm rather than protect girls.
Name and shame them all.
Specifically, I want to highlight GA Democrat @SenOssoff. You have a daughter. Have you no shame? Georgians are watching. I will make it my mission to do what I can to remove you from your senate seat in 2026. pic.twitter.com/9mvRQfrRAs
— Riley Gaines (@Riley_Gaines_) March 4, 2025
The Senate’s failure to advance S.9 leaves the bill in legislative limbo. Republicans could attempt to reintroduce it, amend it, or attach it to other legislation in the future.
While the issue remains deeply divisive, many conservatives believe that protecting women’s sports from what they see as unfair competition is a matter of common sense and fairness.
They argue that government intervention should focus on preserving the integrity of female athletics rather than blurring lines that Title IX was meant to clarify.
For now, the debate over who should compete in women’s sports continues, reflecting broader cultural and political divides. The bill’s supporters vow to keep fighting for what they see as a critical issue of fairness and opportunity for female athletes.
This article was written with the assistance of AI. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.
