(The Center Square) – The Georgia Senate Education and Youth Committee recommended approval of a bill that would ban men from participating in women's sports.

Senate Bill 1 now goes to the rules committee.

If approved, the bill would apply to the state's middle and high schools as well as colleges. Athletic teams would be for males, females or could be co-ed.

The bill also requires separate changes for males and females.

The committee passed the bill 8-3 after a nearly two-hour hearing.

Four swimmers who competed against transgender swimmer Lia Thomas in the 2022 NCAA Division I national championship held at Georgia Tech testified for the bill. Kaitlynn Wheeler said Thomas not only competed but was allowed in the locker room. The women were forced to undress with Thomas, who was a "fully intact biological male," Greenwood said.

"This is the future awaiting your daughters if you do nothing," Greenwood said.

The bill also drew opposition from parents, physicians and others. Dr. Jodi Greenwald, a Roswell pediatrician, told the panel that transgender girls are not predators.

"They are not trying to harm people," Greenwald said. "They are just trying to exist."

Lt. Gov. Bill Jones called the vote an important step to one of his critical goals of the session.

“The Senate continues to lead the way on making these protections for our sisters and daughters a reality," Jones said. "I want to thank the brave women who testified today and shared their personal stories. Their courage is commendable and their support for this measure will ensure that the rights of female athletes are preserved."

Sen. Greg Dolezal, R-Cumming, is the bill's primary sponsor. He chaired the Senate Special Committee on the Protection of Women's Sports, which made the recommendation.