Bill requires students to participate in sports based on sex assigned at birth

BISMARCK, N.D. – Critics of legislation that addresses gender in school sports say the proposal discriminates against transgender students in North Dakota.

The bill would prohibit public schools from allowing a person to participate on a girls or boys team if the person “was assigned the opposite sex at birth.”

Republican Rep. Ben Koppelman of West Fargo says the bill would ensure fair competition for girls in middle and high school sports.

Opponents say it excludes transgender students from athletics.

The House Human Services Committee took no action on the bill Monday.