As the state House debated the measure Tuesday, Gov. Tom Wolf said he would veto the bill.
The bill defines “sex” as “the biological distinction between male and female based on reproductive biology and genetic make-up.”
While sex is a category that refers broadly to physiology, a person’s gender is an innate sense of identity. The factors that go into determining the sex listed on a birth certificate may include anatomy, genetics and hormones, and there is broad natural variation in each of these categories. For this reason, critics have said the language of “biological sex” is overly simplistic and misleading.
The legislation comes after University of Pennsylvania swimmer Lia Thomas became the first transgender athlete to win an NCAA Division I title after finishing first in the women’s 500-yard freestyle event last month. Thomas, who previously swam for the men’s team at Penn, has come to personify the debate around transgender women’s participation in sports.
The NCAA has come out in opposition to such bans, saying last April that it’s closely monitoring them to make sure NCAA championships can be held “in ways that are welcoming and respectful of all participants.”
The American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania blasted the bill following the state House’s vote.
“Even with the governor’s veto assured, we will do everything necessary to defeat this bill,” said Reggie Shuford, executive director of the ACLU of Pennsylvania, in a statement.
CNN’s Shawna Mizelle contributed to this report.
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