The U.S. Supreme Court has codified the protection of laws in 27 states that prevent biological males from competing in women's sports, but the ruling leaves 23 states without such legislation, including 19 that actively allow transgender athletes to participate in girls' sports. The remaining four states restrict participation through state education agencies or athletic association rules rather than official state laws. This decision has prompted responses from governors and education officials across the country, with some reaffirming their commitment to current policies and others calling for new legislation.
California, which has strong state laws under AB 1266 that explicitly protect the rights of transgender students to participate in school programs and athletic teams consistent with their gender identity, remains unaffected by the ruling. A spokesperson for Gov. Gavin Newsom's office told Fox News Digital that the Supreme Court decision does not impact California's laws, adding that the state is committed to ensuring every Californian, including the LGBTQ community, is met with dignity and respect. The office highlighted Newsom's record on transgender rights, including making it easier to update gender markers on official documents and appointing multiple trans judges. California is one of 22 states with laws requiring transgender students to participate in sports consistent with their gender identity, a policy signed into law by Gov. Jerry Brown in 2013. However, the state is currently being sued by President Donald Trump's Department of Justice after trans athlete AB Hernandez won a pair of girls' state championships in 2025 and back-to-back titles in 2026.
In Illinois, the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) handles transgender athlete participation through a formal policy requiring students to submit documentation to their school to compete in accordance with their gender identity. Gov. JB Pritzker's office responded to the ruling by sharing a post on X, where Pritzker called the decision a setback for equality and stated that every student deserves to learn and belong, no matter their gender. The state allows participation based on gender identity, with protections rooted in broader state anti-discrimination laws.
Hawaii Gov. Josh Green's office deferred to the state's Department of Education, which confirmed that the state will continue to comply with state laws allowing males to play in girls' sports. A spokesperson for the Hawaii Department of Education said the Supreme Court's decision does not change current policies or practices. Similarly, the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) maintains a policy that allows transgender athletes to compete on a case-by-case evaluation basis, preventing a blanket ban. Minnesota's state education agencies are currently being sued by Trump's Department of Justice after a trans pitcher led a girls' softball team to a state championship in 2025. Gov. Tim Walz's office did not respond to a request for comment.
In Nevada, Republican Gov. Joe Lombardo has been an active advocate for protecting girls' sports and announced a new push to get state legislation passed in light of the Supreme Court ruling. Lombardo stated that the decision provides important legal clarity and affirms that states have the authority to protect fair competition in girls' sports. He noted that Nevadans overwhelmingly believe that female athletes deserve a level playing field and the opportunity to compete against other biological females. Lombardo said he intends to ask the Legislature to address this issue during the 2027 legislative session, urging lawmakers from both parties to come together and finally settle the issue for students, schools, and Nevada families.
The Maine Principals' Association allows students to compete on teams that match their gender identity, and the state's human rights act essentially requires such policies to be enforced. Maine is also being sued by Trump's Department of Justice for these policies, following an infamous White House spat between Trump and Gov. Janet Mills in early 2025. Mills' office did not respond to a request for comment. Colorado currently protects the right of transgender student-athletes to compete on school and collegiate sports teams that align with their gender identity, but Colorado voters will decide on a November 2026 ballot measure that could mandate teams based on biological sex. Gov. Jared Polis's office did not respond to a request for comment.
The Supreme Court ruling has intensified the national debate over transgender athletes in women's sports, with 27 states now having laws that restrict participation based on biological sex. The remaining 23 states face ongoing legal and political pressure, as the Trump administration continues to challenge policies that allow transgender athletes to compete in girls' sports. The outcome of these legal battles and state-level decisions will shape the future of women's sports across the country.
