BOISE, Idaho (TEGNA) — House Bill 500, a ban on transgender athletes from competing in women's sports, passed the Idaho House Wednesday.
It still has several steps to clear before it becomes law, but already, some are very concerned about its effect.
Critics of the bill say its trans-phobic, and simply not necessary.
Bill sponsor, Rep. Barbara Ehardt, says this is just about fairness in sports.
"There are inherent differences between boys and girls, men and women. It's obvious," Ehardt said.
Ehardt says that is the only point she is trying to make with House Bill 500.
That bill specifically bans transgender high school and college athletes from competing in women's sports.
Critics say it's unfair to transgender women, Ehardt disagrees.
"We are not limiting the opportunities of those who are biological male because they will have that opportunity to compete on the men's side," Ehardt said.
To explain what she means about fairness in sports, Ehardt uses wrestling as an example.
"Allow a 165-pound wrestler to identify as a 105-pound wrestler, and to wrestle that. We would not, because that is a matter of fairness," Ehardt explains.
Rep. Muffy Davis, a multi-time gold medal Paralympic athlete, says the Fairness in Women's Sports Act doesn't help athletes, it hurts them.
"If this bill were to be enacted, and fully passed, there would be no room for female trans-athletes at all in high school sports and that's discriminatory," Davis said.
Davis adds that she believes this bill is about fear.
"Fear of something that is different, and that's a normal human reaction, but a Legislature shouldn't be promoting fear, fear of difference," Davis said.
Ehardt says her legislation is about making a clear path forward on the issue.
"This provides clear opportunities for girls and women, and clear opportunities for boys and men, and allows the playing field to remain fair," Ehardt said.