Key takeaways:
- The Supreme Court denied a request from West Virginia officials to lift a lower court’s order blocking a law that bans transgender athletes from competing on female sports teams.
- Justices Samuel Alito and Clarence Thomas dissented from the court’s decision.
- The case has been closely watched by both sides of the transgender rights debate, and the Supreme Court is expected to issue a ruling in a separate case involving transgender rights later this year.
The Supreme Court on Thursday ruled against West Virginia officials in a case involving a law that bans transgender athletes from competing on female sports teams. The law, known as the Save Women’s Sports Act, was enacted in 2021 and was challenged by 12-year-old transgender girl Becky Pepper-Jackson.
The state had requested that the Supreme Court lift a lower court’s order blocking the law while proceedings continue. However, the court denied the request, meaning the law cannot be enforced against Pepper-Jackson while the case is being litigated.
Justices Samuel Alito and Clarence Thomas dissented from the court’s decision, with Alito faulting the lower court for failing to explain its reasoning.
The case has been closely watched by both sides of the transgender rights debate. Supporters of the law argue that allowing transgender athletes to compete on female teams would give them an unfair advantage. Opponents of the law argue that it discriminates against transgender athletes and undermines their right to participate in sports.
The Supreme Court’s decision is the latest in a series of rulings that have favored transgender rights. The court is expected to issue a ruling in a separate case involving transgender rights later this year.
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