Senate Democrats unanimously voted to block the Republican-led “Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act,” which sought to ban transgender athletes from competing in women’s sports at federally funded schools.

The bill, introduced by Sen. Tommy Tuberville, failed to meet the 60 votes needed to advance, with a 51-45 vote.

While Republicans framed it as a fairness issue, Democrats dismissed it as a political distraction.

Despite the bill’s failure, the issue is expected to remain a key talking point in the 2024 elections, NBC News has reported.

Democrats emphasized focusing on broader issues like the economy, while Republicans rallied around the cultural issue of transgender athletes in sports.

Written by B.C. Begley