With the strong support and vote of Rep. Chris Smith (R-Manchester), the House of Representatives today passed the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act (HR 734)—legislation that withholds Title IX federal funds from schools that allow biological men to compete on women’s sports teams.

            “The Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act will help ensure that female athletes who play their sport competitively are safeguarded from radical ideologies seeking to redefine gender and allow biological men on women’s teams,” said Smith, who also cosponsored the legislation.

            “As our Nation’s landmark legislation to prohibit sexual discrimination in educational programs and activities, Title IX ensures that federal funding for schools is conditioned on equal opportunity for men and women,” said Smith, who has long supported women’s equality in education and has repeatedly voted to expand and protect Title IX.

            Since the passage of Title IX over 50 years ago, female participation in sports has increased 1,057 percent at the high school level and 614 percent at the postsecondary level.

             “Among other things, Title IX has offered women equal opportunities in athletic competition, and we cannot jeopardize the massive strides we have made to advance women’s sports,” Smith said.

            Passed by the House in a vote of 219-203, HR 734 now moves to the Senate for consideration.

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