The U.S. House of Representatives has approved a contentious bill aimed at restricting transgender girls and women from participating in school sports, sparking a national discussion on the rights of transgender student athletes.

Called the 'Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act of 2025,' the bill passed in a 218-206 vote, mostly along party lines, with two Democrats, Henry Cuellar and Vicente Gonzalez, breaking ranks to support it.

The bill now moves to the Senate, where its future is uncertain due to the filibuster rule that requires a 60-vote majority for most legislation.

Republicans, including Speaker Mike Johnson, are advocating for the legislation, using religious arguments to support the restrictions.

'We know from Scripture and from nature that men are men and women are women and men cannot become women,' Johnson stated after the vote.

The bill seeks to alter Title IX, the 1972 law banning sex-based discrimination in education, by defining gender strictly as a person’s 'reproductive biology and genetics at birth.' This would effectively prevent transgender women from competing in women’s sports.

While the bill permits transgender women to practice with female teams, it stipulates they must not 'deprive' any female athletes of competitive opportunities.

The bill has become a focal point in the ongoing political debate over transgender rights, with critics arguing that it discriminates against transgender students and could lead to harmful government oversight of individuals' gender identities.

Transgender rights have become increasingly controversial in U.S. politics, particularly in sports. High-profile cases, such as Lia Thomas' win in the 2022 NCAA women’s swimming championship, have ignited intense debate.

Currently, 25 states have laws restricting transgender athletes' participation in school sports, a trend that has drawn significant attention.

The bill also raises concerns among some Democrats, like Representative Pete Aguilar, who cautioned it could lead to unnecessary 'government inspections' of transgender students, raising alarms among critics about privacy violations.

Transgender athletes already face various regulations at different competition levels.

The NCAA determines eligibility based on individual sport and guidance from international sports organizations, although many argue the rules remain inconsistent and insufficient.

Despite passing in the House, the bill's future in the Senate is uncertain.

Although Republicans control the Senate, the bill would need substantial bipartisan support to surpass the filibuster rule, making its passage doubtful.

Democratic senators have voiced strong opposition, with some vowing to fight the bill vigorously.

The introduction of this measure highlights the growing significance of transgender issues in U.S. politics, especially as the LGBTQ+ community continues to seek broader legal protections.

In a symbolic act, Democratic Representative Sarah McBride was sworn in as the first openly transgender member of Congress earlier this month, drawing attention to the intersection of LGBTQ+ rights and governance.

As this legislative battle unfolds, the debate over transgender rights in sports is set to remain a central issue in the American political landscape.