Supreme Court Upholds State Laws on Women's Sports Eligibility Based on Biological Sex

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled on June 30, 2026, that states may limit women's and girls' sports teams to biological females. This decision, made with a 6-3 majority, allows states to determine eligibility for women's and girls' sports based on biological sex under Title IX and the Equal Protection Clause. First Lady Melania Trump referenced her memoir in support of this ruling, stating that it aligns with her long-held views on protecting female athletes. She emphasized the need to support the LGBTQIA+ community while ensuring fairness in women's sports. The ruling is seen as a significant victory for proponents of laws aimed at preserving women's sports, validating similar legislation in 27 states. The case involved challenges to West Virginia's Save Women's Sports Act and Idaho's Fairness in Women's Sports Act, which had faced legal opposition from transgender athletes. West Virginia Attorney General John McCuskey and Idaho Attorney General Raul Labrador both praised the ruling, highlighting its importance for fair competition in women's sports.