States Petition Supreme Court on Transgender Sports Ban

The attorneys general of Idaho and West Virginia have petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court to uphold their states' laws preventing transgender athletes from competing in women's sports, citing the need to address 'confusion and chaos' in both high school and university sports. These laws, which have been blocked by lower courts, challenge the interpretation of Title IX and the Fourteenth Amendment's Equal Protection Clause. Idaho Attorney General Raúl Labrador and West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey argue that allowing transgender women to compete in female sports creates an unfair environment and undermines women's opportunities. The Supreme Court's decision could have significant implications for similar laws in 25 other states and the Biden administration's recent rule including 'sexual orientation' and 'gender identity' under Title IX. The justices may hear the cases as early as September, with a ruling expected next year.