Bills/S. 405

Protection of Women in Olympic and Amateur Sports Act

Protection of Women in Olympic and Amateur Sports Act

In CommitteeOtherSenateSenate Bill · 119th Congress
Bill Progress · Senate
Introduced
Committee
Passed House
Passed Senate
Passed Both
Signed

Plain Language Summary

# What This Bill Would Do The Protection of Women in Olympic and Amateur Sports Act would require national sports organizations (like USA Gymnastics and USA Swimming) to ban transgender women from competing in female athletic competitions. The bill defines "male" based on reproductive biology rather than gender identity. If passed, it would apply to amateur sports at all levels, including school athletics and Olympic programs. # Who It Affects This bill primarily affects transgender athletes who identify as women, as well as the national sports organizations that would need to enforce the new rule. It also impacts female athletes, coaches, schools with athletic programs, and parents involved in youth and amateur sports.

The bill would effectively require sports organizations to verify athletes' biological sex for competition eligibility. # Current Status The bill is currently in committee and has not yet been voted on by the full Senate. It was introduced in the 119th Congress by Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL). No companion bill has been introduced in the House at this time. The legislation reflects ongoing national debate about fairness in sports, with supporters arguing it protects competitive opportunities for women athletes, while opponents contend it discriminates against transgender individuals.

CRS Official Summary

Protection of Women in Olympic and Amateur Sports ActThis bill requires certified national governing bodies (NGBs) of amateur sports (e.g., USA Gymnastics) to prohibit a person whose sex is male from participating in an amateur athletic competition that is designated for females, women, or girls.Under the bill, male means an individual who has, had, will have—or would have, but for a developmental or genetic anomaly or historical accident—the reproductive system that at some point produces, transports, and utilizes sperm for fertilization.

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Latest Action

February 5, 2025

Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Subjects

AthletesSchool athleticsSex, gender, sexual orientation discrimination

Sponsor

7 cosponsors

Key Dates

Introduced
February 5, 2025
Last Updated
February 5, 2025
Read Full Text on Congress.gov →
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