U.S. Supreme Court likely to uphold state bans on transgender athletes

After oral arguments, several conservative justices appeared inclined to uphold state laws that bar transgender girls and women from girls' and women's school sports; the court is expected to issue a decision by early summer.

The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments Tuesday in cases that ask whether states may bar transgender girls and women from competing on girls' and women's school sports teams. Lower courts had ruled for the transgender athletes who challenged bans in Idaho and West Virginia. During more than three hours of arguments, several conservative justices signaled they were inclined to uphold the state laws. The cases are part of broader legal and policy disputes about transgender rights and school athletics. Key points: - Several conservative justices indicated during oral arguments they would likely rule the state bans do not violate the Constitution or Title IX. - The cases originate from Idaho and West Virginia and were brought by transgender athletes challenging state prohibitions. - The court is scheduled to issue a decision by early summer. Summary: A ruling that upholds the state laws would leave those bans in place while a ruling for the athletes could narrow or overturn them. The justices are weighing claims of sex discrimination against states' arguments about fair competition, and a final decision is expected by early summer.