Court Rules That States May Ban Transgender Girls from Girls’ Sports; Maine’s Inclusive Policies Remain Legal
June 30, 2026
EqualityMaine Condemns Supreme Court Decision on Girls’ Sports
Court Rules That States May Ban Transgender Girls from Girls’ Sports; Maine’s Inclusive Policies Remain Legal
Today’s Supreme Court ruling in West Virginia v. BPJ and Little v. Hecox upholds West Virginia and Idaho state laws that categorically ban all transgender girls and women from playing on girls’ and women’s school teams regardless of age, sport, or level of competition. While the conservative supermajority upholds such bans, it does not require them, which means that Maine law is not impacted by this decision. However, transgender athletes living in states with bans will be barred from the opportunities their peers have.
“By defending and sanctioning discrimination, this Court continues to set terrible precedents that transgender people, especially trans kids, can be treated unfairly and can be excluded from society,” said Gia Drew, Executive Director of EqualityMaine. Since the Maine Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination on the basis of gender identity, all student athletes are still able to play on the team that aligns with their gender identity in Maine. Unfortunately, 27 states have transgender sports bans in place, and this ruling, by this conservative court, deems those bans constitutional.
“This decision hurts not only trans kids, but also their families, friends, classmates, and school communities. It not only perpetuates harmful stereotypes about transgender people, especially trans girls and women, but invites increased surveillance of girls and women’s bodies, especially Black and Brown girls and women. While this ruling is heartbreaking, we firmly believe that trans people’s existence can never be taken away by courts, the government, and elected officials. EqualityMaine is committed to fighting for a world where every student can find community and belonging, both in school and on the field,” Drew continued.