Advocacy:
Supreme Court turns its back on trans youth in sports — But Minnesota’s inclusive laws remain intact
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 30, 2026
CONTACT
Siena Iwasaki Milbauer, Communications Manager
[email protected]
651.789.2090 ext. 405
Despite today’s ruling, trans and nonbinary youth in Minnesota continue to have the right to play.
Today, the U.S. Supreme Court issued its ruling in Little v. Hecox and West Virginia v. B.P.J., upholding West Virginia and Idaho state laws that bar transgender girls from participating in girls’ school sports. The decision is a painful setback for transgender youth in Idaho, West Virginia, and the 25 other states with similar bans, including North Dakota. However, it does not require every state to follow suit and enact discriminatory bans.
“Today’s ruling is a painful blow. No kid should have to fight for the right to just be a kid — to play, compete, and belong,” said Jess Braverman, Legal Director at Gender Justice. “But let’s be clear: today’s decision does not change Minnesota’s inclusive laws. While the Court has allowed discriminatory bans to stand, it has not required every state to follow suit. Minnesota’s trans-inclusive laws remain in place and we will defend them fiercely.”
Minnesota’s trans-inclusive policies — grounded in state civil rights law and affirmed by the Minnesota Supreme Court’s unanimous ruling last year in Cooper v. USA Powerlifting and the 2021 Court of Appeals ruling in N.H. v. Anoka-Hennepin School District — remain in full effect. Regardless of today’s ruling, trans and nonbinary kids in Minnesota can continue to play alongside their teammates and be treated with the dignity they deserve.
A separate federal lawsuit is currently underway challenging whether Minnesota’s inclusive policies themselves violate Title IX — a case that could pose a more direct long-term threat to Minnesota’s inclusive laws than today’s decision.
“Title IX was designed to guarantee equal educational opportunity for all. That looks like ensuring students targeted by sexual harassment, pregnant and parenting students, trans students, and any student facing discrimination because of sex stereotypes have the supportive environment and resources they need to thrive — just like everyone else,” said Megan Peterson, Executive Director at Gender Justice. “When courts weaken the protections afforded by Title IX, it puts all students at risk. We are not backing down. We will continue to show up in court, in legislatures, and wherever kids’ rights are on the line. And Minnesota will remain a place where every kid can compete, belong, and thrive.”
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Gender Justice is a legal and policy advocacy organization dedicated to advancing gender equity through the law. Our vision is a world where people of all genders, gender identities and expressions, and sexual orientations have the opportunity to thrive. We work toward our vision through impact litigation, advocacy, movement building, and public education.
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