Washington, D.C.—Today, U.S. Congressman Andy Barr (R-KY) introduced legislation that reinforces and codifies President Trump’s Executive Order prohibiting biological boys from participating in girls’ sports. The Defend Girls Athletics Act ensures the Trump Administration can fully enforce the Order by conditioning federal education funding on compliance. Although the NCAA has indicated it will cooperate with the Executive Order, this legislation ensures that rogue schools or defiant institutions are held accountable at both the K-12 and collegiate levels.
Biological males are depriving female athletes of their athletic achievements. According to the United Nation’s 2024 study titled “Violence against women and girls in sports,” biological males have won 890 medals in 29 different women’s sports. The study also estimated that over 600 female athletes have lost accolades because of male athletes participating in their sport.
Just in recent weeks, a biological boy won the California state championship for girls triple long jump. In Minnesota, a biological boy pitched 14 shutout innings in the high school sectional final for softball. These are not isolated incidents, this is a growing trend.
Even worse than stealing glory from our female athletes, some girls have suffered permanent injury because of competing against biological males in sports. One of these athletes is Payton McNabb, who suffered partial paralysis during a high school volleyball match in 2022 due to an injury caused by a biological boy.
“Biological boys don’t belong in girls’ sports, period,” Congressman Barr said. “As the father of two girls who play sports, I’ll do everything I can to protect our girls. President Trump and Secretary McMahon have led the way along with activists and athletes like my constituent Riley Gaines to protect young women and their sports. Schools throughout America should do the same or face consequences for endangering female athletes.”
“Enough is enough,” said Riley Gaines, former University of Kentucky swimmer and All-American Athlete. “Forcing women to compete against men and give up our locker rooms is an assault on our rights, our safety, and our dignity. Thanks to President Trump’s leadership, we know what it looks like to have leaders who actually stand up for women. I’m proud to stand with Congressman Barr to say: no more. We will not be silenced, we will not be bullied, and we will never stop fighting to protect women’s sports.”
“Female athletes in Michigan and across the country deserve a level playing field. Their hard work and achievements deserve respect. This is about fairness, science, and safeguarding opportunities for future generations of young women,” said House Republican Conference Chairwoman Lisa McClain (R-MI), the co-lead of the Defend Girls Athletics Act, who also sits on the House Education and Workforce Committee. “I am proud to co-sponsor this bill with Congressman Barr as we codify President Trump’s executive order. We are protecting the integrity of women’s sports and the decades of progress made since Title IX was enacted.”
“It’s common sense, biological men have no place in women’s sports,” said Congressman Brett Guthrie (R-KY), Chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee and cosponsor of the Defend Girls Athletics Act. “I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing the Defending Girls in Athletics Act to ensure that educational institutions that refuse to comply with President Trump’s Executive Order preventing men from competing against female athletes don’t receive federal tax dollars. This bill will promote fairness and empower America’s female athletes!”
“This legislation ensures that every taxpayer dollar invested in education supports institutions that uphold federal law and national values,” said Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL), a champion on this issue who cosponsored the Defend Girls’ Athletics Act. “By requiring schools and universities to certify compliance, this policy promotes accountability, protects students, and guarantees that federal funds aren’t wasted on noncompliant entities. It’s a common-sense measure that enforces federal law, and keeps our education system focused on results, not politics.”
“President Trump stood up for women and girls across the country by signing an executive order to keep men out of women’s sports,” said Congressman Troy Nehls (R-TX), America First Warrior and cosponsor of the Defend Girls Athletics Act. “President Trump’s executive order isn’t a suggestion. If any state, school, or university chooses to endanger women and allow men to compete in women’s sports, they should lose the privilege of receiving federal funding. I’m proud to join my colleagues and cosponsor the Defend Girls Athletics Act to hold states, schools, and universities accountable and ensure they protect women and girls’ sports.”
President Trump stood up for girls’ sports against Governor Janet Mills (D-Maine) who insisted the state would jeopardize girls’ safety in pursuit of their radical transgender policies. Congressman Barr’s legislation ensures Congress backs the President’s Executive Order and holds noncompliant schools accountable.