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Arkansas bill on trans athletes in female sports advances to state Senate

The bill banning transgender athletes from competing in sports consistent with their gender identity is headed to the state Senate for a vote.

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — An Arkansas bill banning transgender athletes from competing in sports consistent with their gender identity is headed to the state Senate for a vote. 

The Senate Education Committee endorsed the measure on a 5-3 vote on Monday. 

Opponents could be heard chanting “shame" outside the committee room after the vote. 

Similar legislation has been introduced in at least 20 states so far this year. Idaho was the only state to pass a similar law last year, but it has been blocked in federal court. 

Opponents warn it could have harmful effects on transgender youth.

President Joe Biden issued an executive order in January to prevent and combat discrimination based on gender identity or sexual orientation. Rutledge said by signing this order the Biden Administration, "signaled that it intends to require schools to allow biological boys who self-identify as girls onto girls’ sports teams."

RELATED: Ark. Attorney General Leslie Rutledge pushes bill banning transgender athletes from girls' school sports

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