Transgender Athlete Withdraws Idaho Sports Ban Supreme Court Case

Lindsay Hecox, a transgender college athlete challenging Idaho's 2020 ban on transgender individuals competing in female sports teams, has requested the U.S. Supreme Court to dismiss her case, citing personal hardships, academic challenges, and negative public scrutiny. Hecox, a Boise State University senior, also asked the Court to vacate the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruling that had been in her favor. Idaho opposes the withdrawal, and the Supreme Court has yet to decide whether to grant the request. The Court is also reviewing a similar case from West Virginia, and a ruling expected by next summer could clarify if Title IX prohibits states from banning transgender students from sports teams matching their gender identity, impacting laws in 27 states. Hecox stated she would cease participating in women's sports in Idaho and would not pursue further legal action against the state’s ban. The case has drawn strong reactions, including opposition from women's sports advocates who want the Supreme Court to hear it despite Hecox’s withdrawal.