WASHINGTON (AFP) — The Republican-led US House of Representatives on Tuesday passed a bill severely restricting transgender athletes from participating in gThe legislation aims to prohibit transgender students from joining female sports teams at any federally funded school or university, though it is unlikely to be adopted by the Senate and become law. The bill defines sex based solely on reproductive biology and genetics at birth and restricts transgender athletes from participating in women’s or girls’ sports. Republicans criticized Democrats on transgender issues, particularly regarding youth and sports, ahead of the 2024 election, leveraging a broader cultural debate over LGBTQ rights. With transgender individuals becoming more visible in the U.S., raising questions about gender norms and fairness, many conservatives have rallied around women’s sports. 'House Republicans yet again stood up for women,' House Speaker Mike Johnson stated. President-elect Donald Trump has promised to end what he calls 'transgender lunacy.' The House passed the bill with 218 votes, including support from two Democrats. However, in the Senate, Republicans are unlikely to secure enough Democratic support to surpass the 60-vote threshold required for most legislation. Advocacy group Equality California condemned the bill as 'yet another effort to deny transgender youth the dignity and respect they deserve.'