Supreme Court to Review Transgender Athlete Bans

The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear arguments Tuesday in cases originating from Idaho and West Virginia. These cases concern the constitutionality of state laws that restrict transgender athletes from participating in women’s and girls’ sports.

Background of the Cases

The cases arise from legal challenges brought by transgender athletes who were prevented from competing on girls’ teams under the respective state laws. In West Virginia, Becky Pepper Jackson, a high school track and field athlete, filed suit in 2021 after being barred from girls’ teams. Jackson identifies as a girl and has been taking puberty blockers. The Idaho case involves Lindsay Hecox, a former college runner who challenged the state’s ban in 2020 after being prohibited from trying out for women’s teams. Hecox later requested to withdraw from the case.

Legal Proceedings

Federal courts have previously blocked both the West Virginia and Idaho laws, citing violations of federal civil rights protections. The state attorneys general are now petitioning the Supreme Court to overturn these rulings and permit the bans to be enforced. A decision by the Court could potentially impact similar legislation in 25 other states.

Arguments in Support of the Bans

Proponents of the bans contend that separating sports by biological sex is essential for maintaining fairness and safety in women’s athletics. They assert that sex and gender identity are distinct concepts, particularly within competitive sports, and that allowing transgender girls to compete against biological girls could compromise equal opportunities for female athletes and undermine Title IX. Research indicates that testosterone levels associated with male puberty can lead to increased muscle mass, as well as larger hearts and lungs. Jackson’s legal team has argued that these factors are not applicable in their case, given their use of estrogen hormones and lack of male puberty.

Related Policy Actions

The Trump administration has voiced support for restrictions on transgender athletes. In February 2025, President Trump issued an executive order directing federal agencies to potentially withdraw funding from schools that permit transgender athletes to compete in girls’ and women’s sports. Following this action, the NCAA announced a policy barring transgender women from participating in women’s sports.