The United States House of Representatives has passed a bill that bans transgender men from competing in men’s sports and transgender women from participating in women’s sports. House Speaker Mike Johnson confirmed the passage of the bill via a post on X (formerly Twitter), expressing his strong backing for the legislation.

“Today is a great day in America because House Republicans just passed @RepGregSteube’s Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act ensuring men cannot compete in women’s sports,” Johnson wrote, emphasizing his stance with the statement: “Men are men, women are women, and men cannot become women. It’s just that simple.”

This bill reflects similar policies from previous Republican administrations, notably former President Donald Trump’s 2017 ban on transgender individuals serving in the U.S. military. Trump had announced the military ban via Twitter, although the policy was later overturned by President Joe Biden’s administration.

The move has reignited debates over transgender rights and inclusion, with significant concern expected from the LGBTQ+ community. Sources have indicated that transgender service members in the military may be discharged on medical grounds, being deemed “unfit” for duty due to their gender identity.

President-elect Donald Trump is reportedly preparing to sign an executive order aimed at removing transgender personnel from the military once he assumes office, which would continue the divisive policy. This development has sparked further controversy regarding the rights and treatment of transgender individuals in the U.S.