ATLANTA – A state Senate bill that would bar transgender athletes from competing in girls’ sports in Georgia moved one step closer to becoming law on Thursday. 

State Senators voted along party lines, with two Democratic Senators voting with their Republican colleagues to pass the controversial legislation. 

The backstory:

State Sen. Greg Dolezal, R-Cumming, sponsored the bill, which would prohibit biological males from competing in girls’ sports and vice versa. Democratic Senate minority leaders issued a joint statement before the debate, expressing opposition to Senate Bill 1. They called the bill a hammer in search of a nail and noted the NCAA and Georgia High School Association already prohibit trans girls from playing girls’ sports.

What they’re saying:

Proponents argue that biological males are more powerful than females due to anatomical and physiological differences. They say the bill promotes fairness and safety in competitive sports and ensures a level playing field for females in the state of Georgia.

“We’re making sure we take rights away from our most vulnerable students in this state. That makes up less than 1 percent of our population, so it’s unfortunate that we are here,” 

“I am thrilled we had bipartisan support to preserve female sports in the state of Georgia,” remarked Sen. Dolezal, “and exclude male advantage and allow for fair competition for women in the state of Georgia.” 

The other side:

Sen. RaShaun Kemp, D-Atlanta, told reporters. SB 1 would expand the ban to include public school children in grades K-12 and private colleges competing against Georgia public colleges and universities. 

What’s next:

The bill now goes to the House for consideration. House Republicans introduced similar legislation earlier this week.