Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) has expressed strong opposition to the recently passed Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act, which aims to restrict transgender women and girls from participating in female sports categories. The bill, which passed the House with a 218-206 vote, including support from two Democrats, seeks to amend Title IX to define sex based on reproductive biology at birth, thereby limiting female sports participation to individuals assigned female at birth.
During the House debate, Ocasio-Cortez criticized the bill, arguing that it could lead to invasive practices to verify athletes’ genders. She stated, “The majority right now says there’s no place in this bill that says it opens up for genital examinations… And when there is no enforcement mechanism, you open the door to every enforcement mechanism.” She further asserted, “Trans girls are girls,” emphasizing her stance on gender identity.
Proponents of the bill argue that it is necessary to ensure fair competition in women’s sports, citing concerns that transgender athletes may have physical advantages. Critics, including Ocasio-Cortez, contend that the legislation discriminates against transgender individuals and could lead to harmful enforcement practices. The bill’s future in the Senate remains uncertain, as it would require 60 votes to overcome a filibuster.
This legislative development is part of a broader national debate on the inclusion of transgender athletes in sports, with various states enacting or considering similar restrictions. The discussion raises complex questions about fairness, inclusion, and the rights of transgender individuals in athletic competitions.
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) claims Republicans want to conduct “genital examinations into little girls” and that “trans girls are girls”
She also claims that CEOs love the bill protecting girls’ sports “because Los Angeles is on fire right now” pic.twitter.com/7nqSXul8DN
— Ryan Saavedra (@RealSaavedra) January 14, 2025