WASHINGTON – The “Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act of 2025” in the U.S. House of Representatives has sparked debate over the rights of transgender athletes in Florida and across the nation.
The bill, which is now on its way to the Senate, prohibits students who identify as transgender women from competing in women’s sports.
The legislation passed on a near-party-line vote of 218 to 206, with proponents arguing it is necessary to protect women’s sports.
According to the college-application service Common App, 2.2% of university applicants for Fall 2022 identified as transgender or nonbinary, roughly 26,000 students.
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What does this look like for Florida?
Florida Rep. Greg Steube (R-Sarasota), who sponsored the bill, stated, “The House has delivered on its promise to protect women’s sports. Americans are united in our belief that men have no place in women’s sports, whether it’s breaking records, entering locker rooms, or stealing scholarship opportunities.”
In Florida, universities such as the University of Central Florida (UCF), Florida State University (FSU), and the University of Florida (UF) have grown their campuses to serve as an inclusive environment for LGBTQ+ students.
These universities work to support transgender students with initiatives including gender-neutral restrooms, LGBTQ+ student centers, and student run organizations.
Yet, the introduction of this new legislation creates concerns about compliance with specific federal guidelines and the potential repercussions for institutions that do not follow within state laws.
The passing of this law would change Title IX legislation, one that focused on “discrimination on the basis of gender identity and sexual orientation.”
A 2021 memorandum for Title IX states, “Executive Order 13988 sets out the Administration’s policy that “[a]ll persons should receive equal treatment under the law, no matter their gender identity or sexual orientation.”
Failure to comply could lead to a cut in federal funding, creating a disturbance in student athletes’ lives.
If the bill passes the Republican majority (53-47) Senate, the results could be significant for transgender students as their ability to participate will be restricted.
Washington Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Seattle) is a mom to a transgender daughter and stated, “These bills tell some of the most vulnerable children in our country that they do not belong.”
The future remains uncertain as the bill heads to the Senate.
WKMG has reached out to Florida universities for their responses regarding this new legislation and its potential impact on athletic programs and student populations.
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