The Senate has voted against a bill that sought to amend civil rights legislation by excluding transgender students from nondiscrimination protections. The proposed legislation, S. 9, which narrowly passed the House of Representatives in January, aimed to restrict federal funding for school athletics programs allowing transgender women and girls to compete in sports designated for women and girls. The bill intended to redefine sex discrimination laws like Title IX by focusing on "a person’s reproductive biology and genetics at birth."
Mike Zamore, National Director of Policy & Government Affairs at the ACLU, criticized the bill: “As anyone paying attention to the actions of the Trump administration can tell you, this bill is simply one part of a sweeping effort to push transgender people out of public life altogether.” He added that there should be more focus on ensuring fair opportunities for all genders rather than subjecting children to "invasive and humiliating checks" for political motives. Zamore expressed gratitude towards senators who opposed what he termed an attempt to enshrine discrimination within significant civil rights legislation.
Federal courts have consistently ruled in favor of transgender student-athletes who challenge state bans on participation based on gender identity. These courts have also dismissed arguments suggesting that transgender athletes' participation unfairly limits opportunities for cisgender women and girls.
