Here’s what Americans to know.
The national debate over fairness in women’s sports continues to intensify following a major U.S. Supreme Court decision that reinforced the authority of states to protect female athletic competition based on biological sex.
While 27 states now have laws restricting biological males from competing in girls’ sports, 23 states continue to allow transgender athletes to participate under state laws, education policies, or athletic association rules. The differing approaches have created a growing divide across the country as legal battles and political debates continue.
Following the Supreme Court’s decision, Fox News Digital contacted the governors’ offices in all 23 states to ask whether they planned to change their policies. Most indicated they would continue enforcing their existing rules, while several declined to comment.
California Says Supreme Court Ruling Will Not Change State Policy
California officials made it clear they have no plans to change the state’s longstanding policy.
Under AB 1266, transgender students are allowed to participate in school sports consistent with their gender identity. Governor Gavin Newsom’s office said the Supreme Court ruling does not alter California law and that the state remains committed to its current approach.
A spokesperson said California will continue ensuring that all students, including members of the LGBTQ community, are treated with dignity and respect.
Newsom’s office also highlighted what it described as one of the nation’s strongest records on transgender rights, pointing to policies that simplify gender-marker changes on official documents and appointments of transgender judges.
California is currently facing a lawsuit from President Donald Trump’s Department of Justice after transgender athlete AB Hernandez captured girls’ state championships in both 2025 and 2026.
Illinois Defends Existing Rules
Illinois also indicated that no policy changes are expected.
The Illinois High School Association permits students to compete according to their gender identity after completing required eligibility procedures.
Governor JB Pritzker pointed to a public statement criticizing the Supreme Court ruling, calling it a setback for equality while reaffirming Illinois’ support for LGBTQ students.
Hawaii Keeps Current Athletic Policies
Hawaii officials likewise confirmed they will continue enforcing existing rules.
The Hawaii Department of Education said its athletic policies remain consistent with state anti-discrimination laws that allow transgender students to compete according to their gender identity.
Officials said the Supreme Court decision does not require any changes to current procedures.
Nevada Pushes For New Protections
Nevada remains one of the few states without a law protecting girls’ sports, but Republican Governor Joe Lombardo said the Supreme Court ruling provides important legal clarity.
Lombardo announced he intends to urge lawmakers during the 2027 legislative session to pass legislation restricting girls’ sports to biological females.
He said female athletes deserve fair competition while emphasizing that every Nevadan should be treated with dignity and respect.
Trump Administration Challenges Multiple States
Several states that continue allowing transgender participation are also facing legal action from the Trump administration.
Minnesota’s case-by-case policy is currently being challenged by the Department of Justice following a girls’ softball championship won by a team led by a transgender pitcher.
Maine is also the subject of a federal lawsuit over its policies after a widely publicized disagreement between President Trump and Governor Janet Mills.
Neither Governor Tim Walz nor Governor Janet Mills responded to requests for comment.
More States Continue Current Policies
Several additional states continue allowing transgender athletes to compete based on gender identity through state laws or athletic association policies.
Those states include:
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- Oregon
- Rhode Island
- Vermont
- Washington
Most governors in those states did not respond when asked whether the Supreme Court ruling would prompt policy changes.
Colorado voters, however, are expected to consider a statewide ballot measure in November 2026 that would require school sports teams to be organized according to biological sex.
Four States Use Athletic Associations Instead Of State Law
Four additional states currently restrict participation in girls’ sports through education agencies or athletic associations rather than legislation passed by state lawmakers.
Pennsylvania
The Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association revised its eligibility standards in 2025 to align with federal Title IX guidance by replacing its previous transgender participation policy with rules centered on biological sex for federally funded schools.
However, Pennsylvania has not enacted a statewide law on the issue.
Wisconsin
The Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association updated its policy in 2025 to allow only students designated female at birth to compete in girls’ sports.
Governor Tony Evers has previously vetoed legislation that would have placed those protections into state law.
Alaska
Although Alaska does not have a statewide law, the Alaska School Activities Association adopted a policy in 2023 prohibiting transgender girls from competing in girls’ high school athletics following action by the state’s Board of Education.
Virginia
Virginia also lacks a statewide law. However, education policies introduced under Governor Glenn Youngkin require students to participate in school sports based on their biological sex at birth, with implementation largely handled by local school districts.
States Maintaining Transgender Athlete Policies
In addition to California, Illinois, Hawaii, Minnesota and Maine, the following states continue allowing transgender participation in girls’ sports under state laws or athletic association rules:
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Hawaii
- Illinois
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- Oregon
- Rhode Island
- Vermont
- Washington
Together, these states represent the majority of jurisdictions that continue permitting transgender athletes to compete according to gender identity despite the Supreme Court’s recent decision.
Women’s Sports Debate Continues Nationwide
The Supreme Court ruling marks another major chapter in the ongoing national debate over women’s sports, Title IX protections, and the participation of transgender athletes.
Supporters of biological-sex-based competition argue that the decision helps preserve equal opportunities for female athletes and protects the original intent of women’s athletics. Opponents maintain that transgender students should continue to have opportunities to compete according to their gender identity and argue that inclusive policies promote equal treatment.
With lawsuits already underway in several states, additional legislation expected in upcoming legislative sessions, and voters weighing ballot measures in places like Colorado, the issue is unlikely to fade anytime soon.
As more states reconsider their policies and courts continue reviewing legal challenges, the debate over fairness, inclusion, and the future of girls’ sports is expected to remain one of the country’s most closely watched political and legal issues.
