Story perspectives

SCOTUS Allows State Bans on Trans Athletes, Trump Praises.

7/5/2026

Left

Kavanaugh Enables Bans

Republican lawmakers said the ruling will spur new legislation to bar transgender athletes in additional states.
Justice Brett Kavanaugh authored the Supreme Court majority opinion permitting states to ban transgender athletes from girls’ and women’s sports.
U.S. President Donald Trump hailed the decision as a victory for America’s daughters and granddaughters.
Pennsylvania Senate approved Bill 9 for sports, citing Education Law Center’s warning exclusion harms trans students.

Right

Kavanaugh Upholds Bans

Justice Brett Kavanaugh authored the Supreme Court majority opinion upholding state bans on transgender athletes.
California Governor Gavin Newsom announced that California will continue permitting transgender athletes to compete in girls’ sports despite the ruling.
Women’s sports activists Riley Gaines and Jennifer Sey condemned Newsom’s stance on social media.
President Donald Trump’s Department of Justice sued California agencies Title IX after AB Hernandez’s multiple titles.

History

Historical Context

Title IX, signed by President Nixon in June 1972, barred sex discrimination in federally funded education and spurred women’s sports participation. The 1984 Grove City College decision narrowed its reach, but the 1988 Civil Rights Restoration Act restored full coverage, and Obama-era guidance later protected transgender students. Kavanaugh’s 2024 majority opinion allowing states to exclude transgender athletes revives the long-standing legal tug-of-war over Title IX.

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Kavanaugh Enables Bans

Republican lawmakers said the ruling will spur new legislation to bar transgender athletes in additional states.
Justice Brett Kavanaugh authored the Supreme Court majority opinion permitting states to ban transgender athletes from girls’ and women’s sports.
U.S. President Donald Trump hailed the decision as a victory for America’s daughters and granddaughters.
Pennsylvania Senate approved Bill 9 for sports, citing Education Law Center’s warning exclusion harms trans students.

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