Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act of 2025
What does the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act of 2025 do?
HR 28 is a House bill sponsored by Rep. W. Gregory Steube (R-FL-17). Amends section 901 of the Education Amendments of 1972 (20 U.S.C. 1681) by adding a new subsection (d). Paragraph (1) makes it a violation of subsection (a) for a recipient of Federal financial assistance who operates, sponsors, or facilitates an athletic program or activity to permit a person whose sex is male to participate in an athletic program or activity that is designated for women or girls. Paragraph (2) provides that for the purposes of the new subsection, sex shall be recognized based solely on a person's reproductive biology and genetics at birth. Paragraph (3) defines "athletic programs and activities" to include, but not be limited to, all programs or activities provided conditional upon participation with any athletic team. Paragraph (4) allows a recipient to permit males to train or practice with a female-designated program so long as no female is deprived of a listed benefit.
Did HR 28 pass? Where it stands
As of July 17, 2026, HR 28 has passed the House.
Status: Passed House
Latest vote: House Passed 218–206 on January 14, 2025
Outlook: Moderate
Key provisions
- New Title IX Violation for Athletics
- Amends section 901 of the Education Amendments of 1972 (20 U.S.C. 1681) by adding subsection (d)
- Violation of subsection (a) for a recipient of Federal financial assistance to permit a person whose sex is male to participate in an athletic program or activity designated for women or girls
- Sex Defined by Reproductive Biology and Genetics at Birth
- Paragraph (2): sex recognized based solely on a person's reproductive biology and genetics at birth
- Paragraph (3): athletic programs and activities include (but are not limited to) all programs or activities provided conditional upon participation with any athletic team
- Paragraph (4) practice/training carve-out: allowed only if no female is deprived of a roster spot, practice/competition opportunity, scholarship, admission, or other benefit
- Comptroller General Study and Report
- Study to determine the meaning of "any other benefit" as used in paragraph (4)
- Document adverse psychological, developmental, participatory, and sociological results
- Report to House Education and Workforce Committee and Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee
Last updated July 15, 2026