The U.S. House of Representatives passed a measure that would keep biological males from participating in female school sports.

On Jan. 14, the bill passed by a 218-206 vote, with two Democrats joining Republicans in voting affirmatively. Six Democrats and three Republicans either abstained or were not present.

The measure, titled the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act of 2025, would prohibit any government-funded K-12 school, college, university or other educational institution that allows males who identify as female to compete in girls’ or women’s sports. Sponsored by Republican Rep. Greg Steube of Florida, the measure would affirm that Title IX’s definition of “sex” does not include a gender identity inconsistent with “reproductive biology and genetics at birth.”

Kristen Waggoner, CEO, president and general counsel of Alliance Defending Freedom, applauded the House decision because the bill guards Title IX’s original purpose.

“Girls shouldn’t be spectators in their own sports,” Waggoner said in a press release. “Allowing males who identify as female to compete in girls’ sports ignores the biological differences between the sexes—destroying fair competition and erasing women’s athletic prospects. The Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act reaffirms the vital protections for women’s sports guaranteed by Title IX, ensuring that women and girls truly have equal athletic opportunities.”

Ahead of the vote, Steube stated during the floor debate that “An overwhelming majority of Americans believe that men don’t belong in women’s sports and that we must allow common sense to prevail.”

Published Jan. 6, a Parents Defending Education survey conducted by CRC Research showed that 78% of responders believed that males who identified as females should not participate in female athletic teams.

In April 2023, the bill originally passed the House, but the bill did not progress to a vote in the Democrat-led Senate. However, Republicans now have a slight Senate majority.

“It is encouraging to see Congress take an early, strong stand for women and girls,” Waggoner concluded. “The Senate should now promptly consider and pass this critically important legislation.”

Photo: Alliance Defending Freedom