Tennessee State Representative Bruce Griffey submitted a bill for consideration this week calling to require elementary and secondary school athletes to participate in sports based on their biological sex.

If approved, House Bill 1572 says any elementary or secondary public school would make sure any school-sanctioned athlete is competing in a sport as the same biological sex on their birth certificate. One sentence in the bill states a school shall not accept any birth certificate for purposes of participation in an athletic or sporting event that has been revised or amended with respect to the sex of an athlete.

If a school were to violate the proposed law, the school would immediately be ineligible to receive public funds of any type from the state or local government. In addition, a civil suit could be brought against state or local officials whom intentionally violate the proposed law. The suit would allow for a penalty of up to $10,000. The official accused of violating the proposed law would also have to vacate their office and would be ineligible to hold public office or a principal positions for a period of 5 years.

State lawmakers will consider the bill at their upcoming general assembly session.