Senate Democrats on the Joint Committee on Education voted to give an unfavorable recommendation to a bill that would allow student athletes and coaches to forfeit games without penalty if their single-sex team is scheduled to compete against a team with players of a different sex.

The vote on July 16 effectively stalls the bill (S 350) filed by Republican Sen. Ryan Fattman, as Democrats aim to prevent it from advancing further in the legislative process.

Committee members Sens. Jason Lewis, Sal DiDomenico Patricia Jehlen, Robyn Kennedy and Pavel Payano all voted against the bill. Republican Sen. Patrick O’Connor reserved his rights, a procedural move that leaves his position publicly uncommitted.

Although the bill’s sponsors insist it is not aimed at transgender youth, critics view it as part of a broader national movement targeting trans student-athletes. The proposal would allow public school athletes to opt out of competition without disciplinary consequences if a player of another sex assigned at birth is on the opposing team. Coaches could also forfeit games under those circumstances without penalty to their school.

At a February briefing at the State House hosted by the Massachusetts Family Institute, bill supporters cited past injuries in girls’ sports and concerns over physiological differences. MFI representatives emphasized that the legislation is not explicitly aimed at transgender students, but also voiced support for former President Donald Trump’s executive order restricting transgender women from participating in women’s sports.

While the bill does not mention gender identity, similar proposals have been rejected by the Massachusetts House this year. Rep. John Gaskey, the House sponsor, attempted to include related language in two budget amendments, both of which were defeated.

With an unfavorable report from the senators in the Education Committee, the bill faces significant challenges moving forward in the legislative process.