Bill banning trans athletes in girls sports fails in Minnesota House
In a party-line vote Monday, the Minnesota House of Representatives narrowly rejected a proposed bill that would have banned transgender athletes from participating in girls and women's sports.
All 67 Republicans voted in favor of the bill, which was authored by Rep. Peggy Scott (R-Andover), and all 66 Democratic lawmakers voted against.
The Preserving Girls' Sports Act reached the House floor Monday afternoon after passing the GOP-controlled House Education Policy Committee last week.
Legislation needs 68 votes to pass on the House floor.
During Monday's debate, supporters of the bill claimed the legislation would preserve girls sports by ensuring fairness and safety.
"It ensures that the protections and opportunities created by Title IX remain in place for the next generation of female athletes in Minnesota," said Rep. Harry Niska (R-Ramsey).
At a press conference Monday, Rep. Brion Curran (DFL-White Bear Lake) claimed the measure would allow for discrimination and bullying of trans children who want to play sports.
"Republican politicians in Minnesota are falling directly in line with Trump's extreme and cruel agenda by prioritizing political theater and burning valuable legislative hours on targeting our youth and vulnerable Minnesotans rather than addressing the real and imminent issues facing our state," Curran, who leads the Minnesota Queer Legislators Caucus, said.
Opponents of the proposal raised concerns about athletes being required to undergo examinations to prove eligibility in sports, increasing scrutiny for girls who participate and overall lowering participation.
Because the proposal was not expected to become law in Minnesota due, Democrats have criticized Republican lawmakers for advancing the bill to the House floor.
Even if the bill had passed in the House, the DFL-led Senate was not expected to take up the issue.
Through a policy in place since 2015, the Minnesota State High School League has allowed athletes to choose which team best aligns with their gender identity.
The U.S. Department of Education's Office of Civil Rights opened a Title IX investigation into the league after the league said it would continue allowing transgender athletes in girls' sports.
President Donald Trump issued a Feb. 5 executive order banning transgender athletes in women's sports nationwide.
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