What Idaho Calls “Fairness” Looks a Lot Like Discrimination

NEVADA - Today, the United States Supreme Court ruled in Little v. Hecox to uphold Idaho’s “Fairness in Women’s Sports Act,” a law banning transgender women and girls from participating in women’s sports teams at public schools and universities. The law also allows a controversial sex-verification process that many argue could subject female athletes to invasive scrutiny. This is one of two cases before the Court this term that seek to address transgender sports. The other case, West Virginia v. B.P.J., examines whether states may separate school sports teams strictly on the basis of sex assigned at birth under both Title IX and the Equal Protection Clause.

André Wade, State Director of Silver State Equality, issued the following statement:

“We are deeply disappointed, yet not surprised, by the US Supreme Court’s decision in Little v. Hecox. There is nothing fair about targeting children and denying them opportunities to learn, grow and bond with peers simply because of who they are. By ruling in favor of a law banning transgender women and girls from participating in women’s sports at public schools and universities, the Supreme Court has opened the door to broader attacks on transgender students and weakened protections provided by Title IX and the Fourteenth Amendment. School sports are about belonging and opportunity, not exclusion. Anti-transgender sports bans do not protect women and girls – they police gender for everyone and put all students at risk. While this ruling is painful, it only strengthens our fight for equality. Silver State Equality continues advocating for the dignity, safety and equal treatment of transgender students in every school and community.”

Shelbie Swartz, Executive Director for Institute for a Progressive Nevada, issued the following statement:

“These laws do not protect girls. They police them. Under Idaho’s law, any girl whose appearance or body does not fit someone else’s expectations could have her gender questioned, scrutinized, and subjected to invasive examination. Youth sports provide opportunities for kids to learn, grow, and build confidence. Removing that outlet with strict bans created in a fraught political environment is harmful to their mental and physical well-being. Regulation of youth sports should be up to governing bodies, not state-level politicians or the Supreme Court."

Barbara Hartzell, Executive Director of Indigenous Voices of Nevada, issued the following statement:

“Today, SCOTUS struck anxiety into the hearts of young people across the United States. Their decision sets a concerning precedent in the regulation of young people’s bodies. Students should be focused on building their futures, not wondering whether they will retain the freedom to make decisions about their own bodies. We are disappointed with the Court’s decision to further persecute this group of people. Transgender and Two-Spirit people have always existed and have always been valued members of our communities. Their identity is not an outright threat to anyone’s well-being. To the youth who see this decision and feel despair or apathy: you are valued, and we are fighting alongside you.”

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About Institute for a Progressive Nevada: Institute for a Progressive Nevada, through strategic communication efforts, educates, empowers, and engages Nevada voters to build a state where everyone has a fair opportunity to succeed.