Supreme Court hears cases on women's sports and sex-based laws

The Supreme Court is hearing oral arguments in two cases about whether states may bar males from competing in women's school sports; the decision will determine how federal law treats sex-based distinctions in school athletics.

The Supreme Court is hearing oral arguments today in two cases that challenge males competing in women's school sports. The cases—State of West Virginia v. B.P.J. and Little v. Hecox—ask whether states may pass laws limiting participation in women's teams based on biological sex. The outcome will bear on how Title IX and the Constitution's Equal Protection Clause are applied in school athletics. Key facts: - The Court is hearing West Virginia v. B.P.J. and Little v. Hecox together. - The central question is whether states may restrict women's sports by biological sex; 27 states have enacted laws on this issue. - Organizations representing female athletes are participating in the cases and are making arguments about Title IX and equal protection. - Oral arguments are under way and the Supreme Court's final decision is pending. Summary: The ruling will determine whether state laws that separate school teams by biological sex are permissible under federal law and may affect related policies in education and athletics. Undetermined at this time.