POLITICS

Supreme Court Upholds State Bans on Trans Athletes

PUBLISHED Jun 30, 2026, 11:49 AM ET

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Washington. The U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday upheld laws in Idaho and West Virginia that bar transgender girls and women from playing on girls' and women's public school and college sports teams, with Justice Brett Kavanaugh writing the majority opinion that states may determine eligibility for women's and girls' sports based on biological sex. The decision prompted immediate statements this week from Republican governors and attorneys general praising the ruling as a protection of women's sports and state authority; three liberal justices dissented, and officials in more than two dozen states with similar bans indicated they will continue enforcement and monitor implementation at school and collegiate levels.

By Lauren Mitchell | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

2022–2023: Multiple Republican‑led states, including Oklahoma (2022) and Wyoming (2023), enact bans on transgender girls competing in girls' sports.
2023–2026: State attorneys general and governors file and join multi‑state amicus briefs supporting state bans as legal challenges proceed.
June 30, 2026 (Tuesday): The U.S. Supreme Court issues a ruling upholding Idaho and West Virginia statutes restricting transgender girls' participation.
Immediately after decision: Justice Brett Kavanaugh authors the majority opinion; three liberal justices dissent in published opinions.
Following the ruling: State leaders across Republican states issue statements praising the decision and signal enforcement of existing laws while opponents note civil‑rights concerns.

News Intelligence

This ruling affects public school and college sports. If you're a parent, your child's sports teams may see changes. If you're a teacher or coach, you might need to enforce new rules. Check your state's laws on transgender athletes.