H.R.28 - Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.28, the "Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act of 2025," seeks to amend the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX) by defining "sex" solely based on reproductive biology and genetics at birth for athletic program compliance. It aims to prevent individuals whose sex is male from participating in sports designated for women or girls. The bill also mandates a study by the Comptroller General to assess the impact of allowing males to participate in female sports, focusing on psychological, developmental, and sociological effects.
Expected Effects
If enacted, H.R.28 would legally mandate that biological sex at birth is the sole determinant for participation in women's and girls' sports at institutions receiving federal funding. This could lead to legal challenges and debates regarding discrimination and equal opportunity. The Comptroller General's study could influence future policy and legal interpretations related to Title IX and gender identity in sports.
Potential Benefits
- Preservation of Opportunities for Female Athletes: Ensures that biological females have exclusive opportunities in sports.
- Fair Competition: Aims to maintain fair competition by preventing athletes with perceived physical advantages from competing against females.
- Potential Scholarship Protection: Could safeguard scholarships and roster spots for female athletes.
- Psychological Well-being: May protect the psychological well-being of female athletes by preventing potential feelings of displacement or unfairness.
- Clarity in Regulations: Provides a clear definition of "sex" for Title IX compliance in sports.
Potential Disadvantages
- Discrimination Concerns: Could be viewed as discriminatory towards transgender individuals, potentially violating equal protection principles.
- Legal Challenges: Likely to face legal challenges based on arguments of discrimination and violation of civil rights.
- Exclusion of Transgender Athletes: Excludes transgender women and girls from participating in sports consistent with their gender identity.
- Potential for Stigmatization: May contribute to the stigmatization and marginalization of transgender individuals.
- Enforcement Difficulties: Defining and verifying "reproductive biology and genetics at birth" could present practical enforcement challenges.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's constitutional alignment is complex. Supporters may argue it aligns with the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment by ensuring fair competition for female athletes. Opponents may argue it violates the same clause by discriminating against transgender individuals. The Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8) could be invoked to justify federal regulation of sports programs receiving federal funding. The bill's impact on individual liberties and potential for discrimination raises constitutional concerns that would likely be adjudicated in the courts.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).