The bans on transgender athletes — 6 facts

Lawmakers in 27 states have proposed legislation that would ban transgender athletes from competing in school sports that match their gender identity, sparking outcry from both parents and advocacy groups who call the restrictions unconstitutional.

Idaho became the first state to enact such a ban last year but it was blocked by a federal judge amid an ongoing legal battle. The law would allow anyone to challenge a person's gender identity and require them to present a birth certificate as proof.  This year, Alabama, Arkansas, Mississippi, Montana,  South Dakota, West Virginia, Florida, and Tennessee enacted similar bans of their own. Female athletes in several states have filed lawsuits against local school districts or states after transgender athletes defeated them in competitions, claiming transgender women possess a distinct advantage over them. The cases are highlighted by Republicans who support outright bans, with lawmakers saying they want to protect female athletes.