FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 30, 2026
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Sara Mar, Senior Media Relations Manager, [email protected]
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Transgender Law Center Condemns SCOTUS Opinion in Hecox and BPJ
NATIONAL – Transgender Law Center decries today’s ruling by the Supreme Court in West Virginia v BPJ and Little v Hecox, which greenlights discrimination against transgender youth who want to participate on sports teams that match their gender identity. The majority opinion, fully supported by all six conservative justices, allows the sports bans in Idaho and West Virginia to stand.
“Today’s sweeping ruling is a huge overstep of this court’s power to push ideology over honoring basic civil rights,” said Shelby Chestnut (they/he), Executive Director. “We know a future is possible where every person, no matter who they are, has the freedom to live and thrive as their authentic selves. Our people are organizing in every community to make our voices heard, hold our leaders accountable, and build a world that works for all of us.”
All nine Justices upheld the sports bans on the basis of Title IX. The majority opinion also ruled that these bans are not a violation of the Equal Protection Clause of the Constitution. In the dissenting opinion, Justice Sotomayor noted, “In the end, to the Court, the facts do not matter, even though the consequences are serious.”
“It is egregious that the Supreme Court authored this opinion, upholding these clearly discriminatory bans,” said Shawn Thomas Meerkamper (they/them), Managing Attorney. “Every young person deserves to move through life free from discrimination or exclusion. We are steadfast in pursuing every legal avenue possible to ensure all youth, including transgender youth, can belong.”
While the long-term impact of the Court’s ruling is not yet known, this will likely affect civil rights protections for transgender people in many other areas.
“We have always known that the courts have never been a validator to our worth or our existence,” said Mariah Moore (she/her), Director of Policy & Programs. “Time and again, our civil rights have been fought for and won when we show up together and make our demands crystal clear. No matter who is in power, we will continue banding together to create a future where every person can live freely as themselves.”
Transgender Law Center filed an amicus brief in the case to uplift the lived experience of transgender athletes and the importance of sports in their lives. Read their stories here.
Today, the Supreme Court also issued its decision in Trump v Barbara. In a 6-3 decision, the Court struck down the administration’s Executive Order targeting birthright citizenship, holding that the order violates the 14th Amendment.
“All of us, no matter where we come from, deserve safety and belonging in the place we call home,” said Isa Noyola (she/her), Director of the Border Butterflies Project. “The ruling today reaffirms that everyone born in this country deserves recognition, rights, and the freedom to participate in our society. We all belong here, and we will never stop showing up to create a world where current and future generations can thrive.”
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