REDMOND, WA – Today, the US Supreme Court ruled that states have the authority to ban biological males from competing in girls’ sports. Becky Pepper-Jackson, a biological male competing in West Virginia girls’ sports, elevated the case to the U.S. Supreme Court due to complaints of unfair barring from competition against girls. Plaintiffs and defendants made their cases in January of this year and SCOTUS ruled today that states have the ability to create laws to keep boys out of girls’ sports. This is significant for Washington State as voters will have the chance to vote yes on IL26-638 to protect girls’ sports this November.
The 6-3 decision ruled that the specific state restrictions in the case did not violate the Equal Protection Clause or Title IX, and they further argued that biological sex was the permitted delineator for sex-segregated athletics.
Ahnaleigh Wilson, a high school track athlete in East Wenatchee who has been outspoken in defending girls’ rights in Washington State, was in Washington, D.C. for the rally to protect girls’ sports this January. She weighed in on the case:
“Today’s Supreme Court decision is such a big win for female athletes in Washington and across the country. As a female student-athlete who has competed against boys in girls’ sports, this issue has been deeply personal to me.
I know the dedication, sacrifice, and countless hours of training that girls like me invest in the sports they love. We deserve the opportunity to compete on a fair and level playing field.
Title IX opened doors for generations of girls to compete, earn scholarships, develop leadership skills, and pursue their dreams, and this decision helps protect those opportunities.
While we may not all agree on every aspect of this issue, I know we can treat every person with dignity and respect while also preserving fair competition for female athletes. I’m grateful that girls will continue to have the chance to compete fairly, be recognized for their achievements, and pursue their dreams through hard work and determination.”
Frances Staudt, a multisport athlete at Tumwater High School, was also in attendance at the D.C. rally. She has been working to ensure that girls have the protections they deserve from Title IX and has been bullied, harassed, and called a bigot by OSPI’s Chris Reykdal. She offered her thoughts on the ruling here:
“While I am grateful that the Supreme Court ruled in a way that recognizes states’ authority to protect girls’ sports and limit participation based on biological sex, it is disappointing that this decision does not change the reality for girls here in Washington State. Washington has chosen to continue allowing boys and men to compete in girls’ sports, sending a message to many girls and families that their concerns about fairness, safety, and equal opportunities are not being prioritized.
I have personally been affected by this issue and have seen firsthand the impact these policies can have. I have traveled across Washington State and to Washington, D.C., to advocate for what I believe is fairness and protection for female athletes, and I will continue to do so. I will not be silenced, and I will continue to speak out on behalf of girls who feel their concerns are being ignored.
By refusing to change its policy, Washington State is sending a message to girls across our state, including myself, that our concerns about fairness, safety, and equal opportunities come second. We deserve to know that we matter and that the protections intended for female athletes are taken seriously.
Governor Bob Ferguson, Attorney General Nick Brown, and Superintendent Chris Reykdal must be challenged and held accountable for the policies they support. Washington families have the right to speak up, demand accountability from their leaders, and advocate for policies they believe best protect girls and their opportunities in sports.
Boys and men do not belong in girls’ sports or their private spaces. Period.”
Dori Whitford, a track and field coach in Spokane has shared her experience of watching girls being forced to compete against boys and the toll it takes on female athletes. She offered her thoughts on the ruling:
“This ruling confirms that Washington State can and should protect girls’ sports. I have watched this state claw back the protections for girls that I enjoyed as a high school track athlete – I started competing when Title IX came into effect and I can say with confidence that girls have less protections now than I did in high school almost 50 years ago. This case represents a much needed first step in protecting girls’ sports.”
“This case is a victory for girls across the country, but specifically in Washington State. We know that girls deserve equal protection under the law and SCOTUS just affirmed that they know that too,” said Hallie Herzberg, LGW spokesperson. “This case gives states the authority to stand up for girls, something Chris Reykdal, Jamie Pedersen, Laurie Jinkins, and Bob Ferguson have been too cowardly to do. Voting yes on 638 will protect girls’ sports and confirm once and for all that girls deserve safe and fair access to their sports, spaces, and opportunities.”
IL26-638 would protect girls’ sports by requiring the student athlete’s primary care physician, during their routine sports physical exam, to specify whether they are female or male. Biological males attempting to compete in girls’ sports would not be permitted to participate, however, they would be allowed to play in the league that aligns with their biological gender.
Though supporters of the initiative have been met with hate, physical and verbal attacks, bullying and even lawsuits, LGW will continue to make the case that girls are worth standing up for.