AUSTIN, Texas — The Texas Senate on Tuesday gave its initial approval to a bill that would restrict competition in collegiate sports by transgender athletes.
Senate Bill 15 by Mayes Middleton, R-Galveston, would require collegiate athletes to compete according to their sex at birth. It would also prohibits retaliation against anyone who reports a violation, and allow female athletes to compete against men if a women’s competition in their sport “is not offered or available.”
The bill passed by a vote of 19-8 after less than 15 minutes of debate; three senators did not vote. A majority of senators need to approve it once more before it would head to the Texas House; further debate can take place before that vote, which will likely occur Wednesday.
