Supreme Court takes up state bans on transgender athletes in girls' and women's sports

Washington — The Supreme Court on Thursday said it will consider whether states can prohibit transgender athletes from participating in girls' and women's sports, setting up a high-profile clash that could have far-reaching implications across the country.

The justices agreed to consider whether laws from Idaho and West Virginia that prevent transgender girls and women from competing in female athletics violate the Constitution's Equal Protection Clause and Title IX. The cases involving transgender rights come after the court's conservative majority upheld a ban on gender-affirming care for transgender minors.

Beginning in its next term in October, the Supreme Court will review lower court decisions that found the Idaho and West Virginia laws discriminate against transgender athletes.