Supreme Court to Hear State Bans on Male Athletes in Women’s Sports

The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to hear two cases—Hecox v. Little and B.P.J. v. West Virginia State Board of Education—that challenge state laws from Idaho and West Virginia restricting participation in female sports to biological females. Both cases involve male athletes who identify as female and have sued against these bans, which were previously blocked by federal appeals courts. Idaho's Fairness in Women’s Sports Act and West Virginia’s Save Women’s Sports Act aim to preserve opportunities and fairness for female athletes, with supporters arguing that allowing males to compete in female sports disadvantages women. These cases highlight a broader national debate over transgender participation in sports and the application of the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment, with advocates on both sides emphasizing fairness, safety, and inclusion. The Supreme Court's decision, expected next year, could have significant implications for state policies on transgender athletes in scholastic and collegiate sports. The Alliance Defending Freedom supports these legislative protections, while civil rights groups warn against excluding transgender youth from sports, citing concerns over safety and discrimination.