Florida House passes bill banning male athletes in female sports

The Florida House passed a bill on Wednesday, HB 1475, that would ban biological males from participating in women’s sports.

The bill would require public schools and colleges to require participation based on biological sex, not gender identity.

The bill also would require that schools and institutions “request a certain health examination and consent form or other statement from the student’s health care provider to verify the student’s biological sex” under certain situations.

The purpose of the legislation, according to the bill, is to “maintain opportunities for female athletes to demonstrate their skill, strength, and athletic abilities.”

The bill also attempts to “promote sex equality by requiring the designation of separate sex-specific athletic teams or sports.”

The bill passed mostly on party lines, with all Republicans voting “yes” and one Democrat voting for the bill.

“This is about giving women and girls an equal chance to succeed,” said state Rep. Jenna Persons-Mulicka, a former athlete and coach. “It’s simple, it’s clear. I’ve reviewed it.”

“I don’t care how many times you tell yourself this is about women’s sports and not LGBTQ rights or discrimination, because that is wrong,” said Democrat Rep. Anna Eskamani.