Senate Democrats block bill to ban transgender students in girls' sports

Washington — Senate Democrats on Monday blocked a measure that sought to ban transgender girls and women from competing on school sports teams that match their gender identity. 

The 51-45 vote fell short of the 60 required to advance the bill. Republicans, who control 53 seats in the upper chamber, needed at least seven Democrats to join them if all members were present and voting. 

"This is the third time that I've had a vote on this bill. The other two times have failed because we have had almost zero Democrats help to support women and girls in sports," Sen. Tommy Tuberville of Alabama, who co-sponsored the legislation, said ahead of the procedural vote.