WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Republicans in the House of Representatives passed H.R. 28, the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act, with strong support from Congressman Mike Rulli (OH-6). This legislation seeks to amend Title IX to prohibit federal funding for public K-12 schools and higher education institutions that allow biological males to compete in female sports.
Over the 50 years since the enactment of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, female participation in sports has soared—rising by 1,057% at the high school level and 614% at the postsecondary level. Title IX revolutionized opportunities for women in sports, fostering unprecedented growth and equality. However, that progress now faces significant challenges.
The Biden administration’s recent regulation threatens to undermine states’ ability to protect women and girls from discrimination in athletics, jeopardizing decades of progress. Twenty-six states, including Ohio, have already implemented policies to ensure fair competition and equal opportunities for female athletes. However, without immediate action, the new regulation could cause widespread confusion regarding the legal framework governing these protections.
“There is no reason we should be having this conversation. H.R. 28 is a women’s rights bill to protect Title IX, which was constructed to protect women’s rights,” said Congressman Rulli during his remarks on the House floor. “My daughter has played soccer and is scared to death. She has seen the videos of what transathletes have been doing to women athletes, breaking their faces in volleyball, baseball, and basketball. We don’t have a clear, level playing field when they are participating in women’s sports.”
After passing in the House, H.R. 28 will now move to the Senate for further consideration.
To watch Congressman Rulli’s remarks please see the following clip here.
CONTACT: Michael Peppel (202) 225-5705
