The U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday ruled that states may enforce laws restricting transgender girls and women from competing on girls’ and women’s sports teams, marking one of the Court’s most closely watched decisions of the year.
The 6-3 ruling allows Idaho and West Virginia to enforce their laws while also strengthening similar measures already adopted in more than two dozen states. The Court concluded that the laws are consistent with the Constitution and federal law.
The legal challenge centered on whether the state laws unlawfully discriminated against transgender students. Supporters argued the restrictions help preserve fairness in girls’ and women’s sports by basing eligibility on biological sex. Opponents argued the laws unfairly exclude transgender students from participating in school athletics.
The Supreme Court ultimately sided with the states, reversing lower court rulings that had prevented the laws from taking effect. The decision is expected to influence similar cases across the country as additional legal challenges move through the courts.
The ruling gives states greater authority to set eligibility rules for school sports teams and is likely to shape future debates over athletics, education policy, and transgender rights. Because more than 25 states have enacted similar laws, the decision could have nationwide implications.
The decision was one of several major rulings issued by the Supreme Court on the final day of its current term, alongside cases involving birthright citizenship and campaign finance.
