Minnesota Female Athletes Sue State Over Transgender Sports Policy

A group of female high school softball players in Minnesota, represented by the Alliance Defending Freedom and organized under Female Athletes United, have filed a federal lawsuit against Minnesota officials including Attorney General Keith Ellison, challenging the state's policy that allows transgender athletes identifying as female, who were assigned male at birth, to compete in girls' sports. The lawsuit alleges that this policy violates Title IX by denying female athletes equal opportunities and safety, citing instances where teams lost to a biologically male athlete who pitches with a significant physical advantage, such as striking out multiple players and causing injuries. One notable case involves a female pitcher who quit her club team to avoid competing against the male athlete for pitching time, while others report their teams were prevented from advancing in tournaments due to losses against teams with this athlete. The plaintiffs argue that Minnesota's policy lacks physical limitations like testosterone level restrictions, thus enabling male athletes to dominate female sports unfairly. The lawsuit is positioned against several state and local officials and school boards, asserting that Minnesota prioritizes the rights of male athletes over the fairness and safety of female competitors. These legal actions come amidst broader national debates and policies regarding transgender participation in sports, including opposing stances between Minnesota's inclusion policies and federal directives like the executive order signed by former President Trump banning transgender girls from girls' sports.