Officials pass new UIL rule for transgender athletes

AUSTIN, TX (KTRK) -- Texas public schools will be required to use a student's birth certificate to determine an athlete's gender.

Superintendents voted overwhelmingly to approve the change to the UIL rules when it comes to transgender athletes.

The amendment goes into effect August 1, 2016.

Transgender advocates condemn the new rule, saying it will force those students to amend their birth certificates in order to play.