We’re disappointed that the U.S. Supreme Court permitted states to block transgender female athletes from participating in women’s and girls’ sports.
Here’s what you need to know:
- The Court’s conservative majority reversed the appellate courts and ruled Tuesday that Idaho and West Virginia did not discriminate under Title IX and the federal Constitution against runner Lindsay Hecox or shot-putter Becky Pepper-Jackson in barring them from playing on teams that align with their gender identity.
- The decision is limited to West Virginia and Idaho but is likely to affect similar exclusionary laws in other states.
- This ruling does not affect inclusive sports policies in states, including those in our neighboring states of Maryland, New Jersey, and New York.
There’s a lot to be concerned about. The Court hasn’t defined how these laws can be enforced, opening the door to invasive “sex verification” practices, including genital inspections of young athletes.
Here’s what doesn’t change:
Trans Pennsylvanians continue to be protected under the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act (PRHA), as WLP has argued. That means that Pennsylvania still requires inclusion in sports.
We are heartbroken for the transgender girls and women who just want to play sports. We continue to stand with transgender Pennsylvanians and work to uphold trans rights.
There’s no sugarcoating it – this ruling will shape our approach to future cases. But we’ve adapted before and we’ll adapt again. WLP has been defending equality in Pennsylvania for more than 50 years. That work doesn’t stop now.
With your support, we’ll continue to fight for equality for LGBTQ+ Pennsylvanians in the courts, in the legislature, and in our communities.
