WASHINGTON — The U.S. Supreme Court upheld state laws barring transgender girls from competing on girls’ and women’s school sports teams, clearing the way for similar restrictions in more than half the states.
In a decision issued on Tuesday, the court ruled that laws in Idaho and West Virginia restricting participation in girls’ sports to students classified as biological females at birth do not violate the Equal Protection Clause or Title IX, the federal law prohibiting sex discrimination in education.
Justice Brett Kavanaugh wrote the majority opinion, stating that legislatures and schools are better equipped to assess medical and scientific considerations in drawing appropriate lines for athletic participation.
The ruling affirms state authority to maintain sex-based categories in school athletics, a position backed by more than 20 states with similar laws. It resolves challenges to the Idaho and West Virginia statutes, which had been subject to lower court disputes.
The decision comes amid ongoing debates over fairness, safety and inclusion in women’s sports. Supporters of the bans argue they protect opportunities for biological female athletes, while opponents contend the policies discriminate against transgender students.
Attorneys for transgender student-athletes described the outcome as a setback for LGBTQ rights. No immediate comment was available from the Biden administration or state officials involved in the cases.
The Supreme Court’s action is expected to influence pending litigation and policy in other states. Details on the precise scope and implementation remain subject to further legal and administrative developments.
The case is among several recent high court rulings addressing issues involving transgender rights.
