WSJ Opinion: Potomac Watch The Supreme Court, Transgender Athletes, and Girls' Sports
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Jan 13, 2026 The Supreme Court is examining significant cases from Idaho and West Virginia regarding laws that restrict biological males from competing in women's sports. The discussion dives into complex issues like individual exemptions, the impact of Title IX, and the scientific debates around athletic advantages. Concern over safety and emotional distress in locker rooms is raised by teammates. The possibility of a patchwork of rules versus a clear sex-based standard adds to the tension, with potential implications for future litigation across various states.
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Scope And Purpose Of State Laws
- Twenty-seven states have laws barring biological males from girls' sports to protect female athletes' safety and fairness.
- Those laws allow biological females to play on male teams while excluding biological males from female teams.
As-Applied Challenges Versus Broad Bans
- The cases are as-applied challenges by two individual athletes seeking exemptions rather than nationwide bans on the statutes.
- Plaintiffs argue hormone suppression removes male athletic advantage while states dispute the underlying science.
Teammate's Account Of Competitive Impact
- A teammate's brief described being bumped from a state tournament after BPJ outperformed her despite being younger.
- BPJ then placed third in discus and eighth in shot put, which supporters cite as evidence of competitive advantage.