COLUMBUS, Ohio — A bill that would allow college athletes to profit off their fame passed through the Ohio House Thursday evening, but not before a divisive amendment was added to the legislation. 

House Republicans added language that would ban transgender participation in women’s sports. Similar proposals to not allow transgender participation in women’s sports is being weighed in other states. 

Although the proposal to allow college athletes to profit off their name, image and likeness had bipartisan support, Senate Bill 187 was approved by a mainly party-line vote of 57-36 following the change to the bill.

Rep. Jena Powell, a Republican from Arcanum, backed the amendment to ban transgender participation in women’s sports. 

“The Save Women’s Sports Act embraces fairness and enables women to be able to achieve their dreams in athletics in our state,” Powell previously said about the proposal. “This legislation is crucial to preserving women’s rights, and the integrity of women’s and girls’ sports.”

House Minority Leader Emilia Strong Sykes, a Democrat from Akron, opposed the amendment. 

“These are children we’re talking about,” she said. “Children deserve compassion and care from adults. The adults in this room must provide that as leaders. This body has failed our kids today.”

The original proposal had notable proponents including Ohio State football coach Ryan Day. Current NCAA regulations do not allow collegiate athletes to sign endorsement deals or do outside sponsorships. 

The bill now goes back to the Senate. 

The bill would also need the signature of Gov. Mike DeWine. On Friday, DeWine did not indicate he is supportive of the bill. 

“This issue is best addressed outside of government, through individual sports leagues and athletic associations, including the Ohio High School Athletic Association, who can tailor policies to meet the needs of their member athletes and member institutions," DeWine said in a statement.