West Virginia (WOAY) The U.S. Supreme Court has upheld state laws banning transgender girls from competing in girls’ and women’s school sports, including a West Virginia law that had been challenged in court.
In a 6-3 decision written by Justice Brett Kavanaugh, the court reversed lower court rulings that found the bans violated Title IX and the Constitution’s equal protection clause.
The decision allows West Virginia and 28 other states with similar laws to enforce those restrictions.
The case centered on West Virginia student Becky Pepper Jackson, who challenged the state’s law after seeking to continue competing in girls’ track and field.
Jackson, who has openly identified as a girl since childhood and says she never underwent male puberty because of puberty-blocking medication, recently won the state championship in girls’ shot put.
Supporters of the ruling argue the laws protect fairness and safety in women’s sports, citing research showing physiological advantages associated with male puberty.
Opponents say the decision limits opportunities for transgender students, particularly those who have not experienced male puberty, and discriminates against them based on gender identity.
The ruling marks the first time the nation’s highest court has directly addressed the issue of transgender athletes in school sports and is expected to have nationwide implications as the debate continues across the country.
