The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to hear two major cases—out of West Virginia and Idaho—challenging state laws that block transgender students from playing on sports teams that match their gender identity. The ruling could have a wide impact, as nearly half of U.S. states have passed similar laws.
The case from West Virginia involves a transgender girl who sued after being barred from girls’ sports at her public school. Lower courts sided with her, saying the ban violated Title IX, which protects against sex-based discrimination in schools.
This move comes shortly after the Court upheld a Tennessee law that bans certain medical treatments for trans youth. With these cases, the Court will once again weigh in on how far states can go in regulating transgender rights.
Supporters of the bans argue they are necessary to protect fairness in women’s sports. Opponents, including the ACLU, say these laws are discriminatory and harmful to trans students.
Arguments are expected to be heard later this year, with a decision likely by summer 2025.
