GOP’s two top Dem Senate targets justify blocking bill to bar men from women’s sports

The Debate Over Biological Males in Women’s Sports: A Controversial Senate Vote

The U.S. Senate recently became the battleground for a contentious debate over whether biological males should be allowed to participate in women’s and girls’ sports. Two of the most vulnerable Democratic senators, Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire and Jon Ossoff of Georgia, found themselves in the spotlight after voting against advancing a bill aimed at preventing biological males from competing in female athletic events. Despite overwhelming public support for such a policy, their decision has sparked criticism and raised questions about their stance on the issue.

Senator Shaheen explained her vote by stating that she listened to the concerns of her constituents in New Hampshire. She referenced Charlie Baker, the head of the NCAA, who reportedly indicated that the issue applies to only a small number of individuals. Shaheen argued that federal legislation is unnecessary, suggesting that sports organizations can effectively police themselves to ensure fair competition. She emphasized that the issue should be handled at the organizational level rather than through government intervention.

Senator Ossoff, on the other hand, called the bill an "overreach." In a statement to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, he argued that school districts and athletic associations are capable of ensuring fair and safe competition without subjecting adolescent athletes to intrusive federal investigations. Ossoff’s office did not respond to further questions from Fox News Digital, leaving his rationale somewhat unclear beyond his initial statement.

The Senate’s procedural vote on the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act revealed a stark partisan divide. While every voting Republican supported advancing the bill, every Democrat—including Shaheen and Ossoff—voted against it. The measure fell short of the 60-vote threshold needed to overcome a filibuster, with a final tally of 51 to 45. As a result, the bill will not move forward to a final vote at this time.

The vote has drawn sharp criticism from Republicans, who accuse Democrats of ignoring the rights and interests of women and girls. Senator Tommy Tuberville of Alabama, the bill’s sponsor, blasted Democrats for what he described as “evil” actions that strip away the rights of female athletes. He singled out Shaheen and Ossoff, accusing them of pretending to care about women while failing to protect their privacy, safety, and right to fair competition. Tuberville argued that the bill would have ensured that Title IX recognizes gender based solely on biology, rather than gender identity, and would have prevented biological males from competing in women’s sports.

The National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) also weighed in, criticizing Shaheen and Ossoff for their votes. The NRSC accused Ossoff of disregarding the wishes of Georgians who support keeping men out of women’s sports, suggesting that his vote sends a message that Democrats believe women and girls must share locker rooms and bathrooms with biological males. Similarly, the NRSC criticized Shaheen for her decision, implying that she is out of touch with her constituents in New Hampshire.

Both Shaheen and Ossoff are up for re-election in 2026, and their votes on this issue could play a significant role in their campaigns. While Ossoff is already gearing up for a tough Senate battle, Shaheen has yet to announce whether she will run again. Sources in New Hampshire suggest that she will make her decision public soon, making her the last remaining Senate Democrat in a competitive seat to reveal her re-election plans.

The political implications of this vote extend beyond the Senate. A recent New York Times/Ipsos survey found that a majority of Americans, including 67% of Democrats, oppose allowing biological males who identify as transgender women and girls to compete in women’s sports. These findings suggest that Shaheen and Ossoff’s votes may put them at odds with their own constituents, particularly in states like Georgia and New Hampshire, where public opinion appears to align more closely with the Republican position on this issue.

In Georgia, Governor Brian Kemp is considered the GOP favorite to challenge Ossoff in 2026. While Kemp has not yet announced his candidacy, he acknowledged that he cannot delay his decision indefinitely. The Cook Political Report has rated the Georgia Senate race as a “Toss Up,” indicating that it could be one of the most competitive contests in the next election cycle. In New Hampshire, Shaheen’s seat is currently rated as “Lean Democratic,” but her decision on whether to run again could significantly impact the dynamics of the race.

As the debate over biological males in women’s sports continues, it is clear that this issue will remain a contentious and politically charged topic. The votes cast by Shaheen and Ossoff have not only drawn criticism from Republicans but also highlighted the challenges Democrats face in balancing the rights of transgender individuals with the concerns of women and girls in sports. With their re-election campaigns on the horizon, both senators will likely face continued scrutiny over their positions on this issue.