Dozens of Senate Democrats have voted to block a Republican-led bill that would restrict transgender athletes from participating in women’s sports in federally funded schools.
According to NBC News, Democrats filibustered the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act in a party-line vote 51-45, falling short of the 60 voted needed to advance the bill that was introduced by Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.)
The legislation had already passed the House, and mirrored an executive order signed by President Donald Trump in January, but from this point will go no further. NBC News further reported the failed measure will likely become a talking point for Republicans during the upcoming mid-term elections.
Sen. John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.) said Tuberville was “trying to churn the social wars about something that really doesn’t exist,” and noted that despite voting against the bill, he believes transgender women should not be able to compete against biological females if those females object.
Speaking on the use of ads during Trump‘s presidential campaign that highlighted the issues surrounding transgender women completing against females, Hickenlooper said he is doubtful those advertisements would continue to work.
“I think that’s the kind of ad that works once. I don’t think it’ll work again. It’s an infinitesimally small group of people that are really trying to find their ways,” Hickenlooper said.
In response to a New York Times/Ipsos poll conducted in January, 79% of adult respondents said transgender female athletes “should not” be allowed to compete against biological females, while 18% said they “should be allowed.”
Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) acknowledged that it is “a hard issue for a lot of people,” but noted that Democrats who have an effective overall message shouldn’t worry.
“Look, if you’re running and you don’t have any other identity and you’re not known for fighting for people to have a decent living, to buy a home, to be able to bring the American dream to their families, these outside fringe issues are what is going to bring you down,” Gallego said. “I’m not worried about that, because I communicate with my fellow Arizonans every day that I’m fighting for them to make sure that they get to live the American dream no matter what.”
Sen. Gary Peters (D-Mich.) said Democrats need to focus on the economy.
“This is not really an issue like in Michigan,” Peters said, “I think there are hundreds of thousands of athletes, there’s like two individuals that are actually in this situation. People are going to realize that it’s really been an issue that Republicans have trying to exploit.”
Tuberville took to X to voice his reaction to the Democrats shutting down his bill.
“Well, at least now the American people know the truth. Even after @realdonaldtrump; s landslide election, Democrats STILL support men competing in women’s sports. This is far from over. I’ll NEVER stop fighting to protect women and girls,” he wrote.
