U.S. Supreme Court appears open to allowing bans on trans student athletes

The U.S. Supreme Court heard appeals from Idaho and West Virginia over state laws that bar transgender students from female sports teams, and justices’ questioning suggested some conservative members may be receptive to upholding those bans; the court has not yet issued a ruling and a decision will come at a later, unspecified date.

The U.S. Supreme Court recently heard more than three hours of arguments in appeals brought by Idaho and West Virginia that challenge lower-court rulings which had blocked state laws restricting transgender students from female sports teams. The cases involve questions under the Constitution’s 14th Amendment and the federal Title IX law that bars sex-based discrimination in education. During oral argument, several conservative justices posed questions and comments that reporters described as indicating openness to allowing the state bans. The court has not announced a timeline for its decision. Key facts: - The Supreme Court heard appeals from Idaho and West Virginia seeking to uphold laws that designate school sports teams by "biological sex" and bar students of the male sex from female teams. - Lower courts had ruled against those state laws; the states appealed to the Supreme Court and presented arguments defending the measures. - Justices questioned lawyers on both sides about sex classifications, Title IX, and whether medical treatment affects any competitive advantages; some conservative justices expressed concerns about impacts on women’s sports. - The Supreme Court has taken the case under consideration and has not yet released a decision or set a public date for one. Summary: A ruling by the Supreme Court will determine whether the challenged state laws can be enforced and may affect similar measures in other states. Undetermined at this time.