MONTGOMERY — On Wednesday, the Alabama Legislature approved a bill prohibiting transgender collegiate athletes from competing in sports designed for the opposite sex.
Alabama law prohibits individuals from participating on sports teams that do not correspond to their biological sex in all public K-12 schools. However, university athletics are governed by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).
House Bill 261 (HB261), sponsored by State Rep. Susan DuBose (R-Hoover), would require all public two-year and four-year institutions of higher education to prohibit biological males from participating in athletic teams or sports designated for females and vice versa.
Though controversial, the bill has drawn less debate and pushback than many lawmakers expected. However, some lawmakers protested the exclusion and ostracisation of transgender individuals and potential litigation for the state.
On Wednesday, the House voted to concur with a minor Senate amendment and send the bill to Gov. Kay Ivey's desk for her signature. Dubose told 1819 News last week that Ivey has already pledged her support for the legislation.
Last month, the U.S. Department of Education proposed changing Title IX regulations to force schools to allow trans-student-athletes to compete according to their gender identity. If approved, the proposed bill could open the state up to litigation should Dubose's bill become law.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email craig.monger@1819news.com.
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