Transgender Athletes Supreme Court Case (Little v. Hecox)
The case of *Little v. Hecox* originated from Idaho's Fairness in Women's Sports Act, enacted on March 30, 2020, which banned transgender women and girls from participating in female sports teams in public schools and universities. Lindsay Hecox, a transgender woman and student at Boise State University, challenged the law, arguing it violated her constitutional rights. After a preliminary injunction blocked the law's enforcement, and various appeals, the case reached the Supreme Court. Oral arguments were heard on January 13, 2026, alongside a similar case from West Virginia. Hecox has since sought to dismiss her case as moot, having decided not to continue playing women's sports, but Idaho has urged the Supreme Court to proceed with a decision. The Supreme Court is currently deliberating the case.
Timeline
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Track this story2026
5 updates
2026
5 updatesThe Supreme Court has extended deadlines for filing briefs in the *Little v. Hecox* case, with the petitioners' brief now due by September 12, 2025.
via scotusblog.com
Following oral arguments, a majority of the Supreme Court appeared poised to uphold state bans on transgender girls and women participating in female sports. This potential ruling could significantly impact how transgender status is treated under the Equal Protection Clause and Title IX.
via jdsupra.com
Lawyers for Lindsay Hecox and Becky Pepper-Jackson argued that their rights were violated when they were banned from competition. Hecox became distressed by the media attention and asked the court to remove her name from the case.
The U.S. Department of Education announced 18 Title IX investigations on January 14, 2026, targeting schools and districts with policies allowing transgender athletes to compete on teams consistent with their gender identity. This action follows the Supreme Court's oral arguments in *West Virginia v. B.P.J.* and *Little v. Hecox*.
The Supreme Court heard oral arguments in *Little v. Hecox* alongside a similar case from West Virginia. The Court deferred Hecox's request to dismiss the case as moot pending oral argument.
via scotusblog.com·oyez.org·en.wikipedia.org·nwpb.org·swimswam.com
2025
2 updates
2025
2 updatesLindsay Hecox filed a suggestion of mootness with the Supreme Court, asking for her case to be dismissed because she no longer intends to play women's sports in Idaho.
via scotusblog.com·oyez.org·en.wikipedia.org·nwpb.org·swimswam.com
The Supreme Court granted Idaho's request to review the lower courts' decision.
via scotusblog.com·oyez.org·en.wikipedia.org·nwpb.org·swimswam.com
2024
1 update
2024
1 updateThe state of Idaho, along with Alliance Defending Freedom attorneys, asked the U.S. Supreme Court to hear the case.
via scotusblog.com·oyez.org·en.wikipedia.org·nwpb.org·swimswam.com
2023
1 update
2023
1 updateAfter several appeals and remands, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit affirmed the preliminary injunction as applied to Hecox, concluding that the Act likely violates the Equal Protection Clause.
via scotusblog.com·oyez.org·en.wikipedia.org·nwpb.org·swimswam.com
2020
3 updates
2020
3 updatesA federal district court granted a preliminary injunction, blocking the enforcement of Idaho's Fairness in Women's Sports Act, finding it likely unconstitutional. This allowed Hecox to try out for Boise State University's women's track and cross-country teams.
via scotusblog.com·oyez.org·en.wikipedia.org·nwpb.org·swimswam.com
Lindsay Hecox, a transgender woman, and a cisgender high school athlete, Jane Doe, filed a lawsuit challenging the Fairness in Women's Sports Act, alleging it violated their constitutional rights, including the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment.
via scotusblog.com·oyez.org·en.wikipedia.org·nwpb.org·swimswam.com
Idaho Governor Brad Little signed the Fairness in Women's Sports Act into law, becoming the first state to impose a flat ban on transgender women and girls participating in women's and girls' sports teams in public schools at all levels.
via scotusblog.com·oyez.org·en.wikipedia.org·nwpb.org·swimswam.com
Story began · 6 years ago