NEWS: Reactions to Supreme Court Ruling Upholding Idaho's Fairness in Women's Sports Act

On Tuesday, June 30, 2026, the Supreme Court ruled in the case of Little v. Hecox that Idaho’s Fairness in Women’s Sports Act of 2020, which prohibits biological males from competing on women’s sports teams, is constitutional. Read the full decision here:

Little v. Hecox Download

Numerous figures in Idaho politics issued statements in response:

Congressman Mike Simpson

WASHINGTON—Today, Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson released the following statement in response to the United States Supreme Court’s formal decision in Little v. Hecox and West Virginia v. B.P.J.

“Today is a historic day for female athletes in America,” said Rep. Simpson. “The Supreme Court’s decision in State of Little v. Hecox and West Virginia v. B.P.J. has confirmed what we have known all along: men have no place in women’s sports. Idahoans owe a debt of gratitude to Idaho Attorney General Raúl Labrador and Idaho State Representative Barb Ehardt for leading the charge to protect women’s sports and fight for common sense. More than anything, today’s ruling is an incredible step toward preserving and protecting Title IX for future generations.”

Rep. Simpson has been a strong advocate for protecting women’s sports. In January, Rep. Simpson joined a rally to save women’s sports on the steps of the United States Supreme Court. He also recently signed an Amicus Brief supporting Idaho’s law and defending the integrity of women’s sports. Additionally, Rep. Simpson has supported and cosponsored several key bills to prohibit males from participating in athletic programs or activities designated for women.

Sen. Jim Risch

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho) today released the following statement on the Supreme Court of the United States decision upholding Idaho’s Title IX law protecting women’s sports.

“Today’s ruling is a major victory for women, fairness, and the Gem State. Idaho was the first state in the nation to ban biological men from competing in women’s sports and uphold the opportunities Title IX promised more than 50 years ago. The Supreme Court’s decision affirms those protections and the generations of women who fought for fair, equal athletics,” said Risch. “Our daughters and granddaughters deserve an even playing field, and the Supreme Court has delivered.”

“This has been an amazing journey. I said from the very beginning that it would end up at the Supreme Court, and when it did, I was privileged enough to sit in that courtroom and listen,” said Idaho State Rep. Barbara Ehardt (R-Idaho Falls), author of Idaho’s Fairness in Women’s Sports Act. “I expected my legislation, and thus Title IX, to be upheld as it should be. Opportunities for girls and women should never be confused with male feelings! I have been so grateful for all of those who have stood with me, especially Senator Risch. He has proceeded to champion this at Congress and that really means so much to me.”

Senator Risch has been a leader in preserving fairness in women’s sports and Title IX. Risch led a bicameral amicus brief to the Supreme Court last year in support of Idaho’s law. He has introduced the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act and the Fair Play for Girls Act, and has urged the International Olympic Committee, National Collegiate Athletic Association, Mountain West Conference, and National Governors Association individually to adopt policies that prohibit biological men from participating in women’s sports.

Gov. Brad Little

Boise, Idaho – Governor Brad Little commented today on the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Little v. Hecox. The ruling upholds Idaho’s ban on men participating in women’s sports.

“Idaho was the very first state to ban men from participating in women’s sports with the passage of the Fairness in Women’s Sports Act. We are leading the nation in supporting generations of women and men who fought hard to uphold Title IX protections and keep girls and women safe. I want to thank the Idaho Legislature and Representative Barbara Ehardt in particular for her leadership on this issue of great importance to female athletes across Idaho and the nation. This is a historic moment for common sense!” Governor Little said.

Lt. Gov. Scott Bedke

BOISE, Idaho — Lieutenant Governor Scott Bedke today issued the following statement in response to the United States Supreme Court ruling in Little v. Hecox, upholding state laws protecting fairness in women’s sports:

“Today’s ruling is a resounding victory for fairness in women’s sports and for every young woman in Idaho who shows up to the gym, the track, and the pool ready to compete on a level playing field. The Fairness in Women’s Sports Act is about protecting the integrity of women’s athletics and ensuring that decades of progress under Title IX aren’t quietly undone. The Supreme Court has now made clear that states have not just the right, but the responsibility, to defend that principle. I’m proud that Idaho led the nation on this issue and I want to thank my former colleagues in the Legislature for their courage in passing this law while I was Speaker in 2020. Idaho will keep standing for women and girls in athletics.”

Idaho Family Policy Center

BOISE – Idaho Family Policy Center, a pro-family Christian ministry, celebrates the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Little v. Hecox upholding protections for female athletes in girls’ sports.

Idaho Family Policy Center (formerly Family Policy Alliance of Idaho) worked closely with Rep. Barbara Ehardt (R-Idaho Falls), former Sen. Mary Souza (R-Coeur d’Alene), and our national partner Alliance Defending Freedom to get the Fairness in Women’s Sports Act (House Bill 500) across the finish line during the 2020 Legislative Session.

IFPC President Blaine Conzatti led the lobbying and grassroots mobilization effort, bringing together a coalition of allies to support the legislation as it was being considered by the state legislature and governor. Ultimately, Idaho was the first state in the nation to pass such a law, leading the way for nearly 30 states across the country to eventually pass similar laws as part of the growing movement to save girls’ sports.

A statement from Blaine Conzatti, President for Idaho Family Policy Center:

We celebrate the decision of the U.S. Supreme Court to uphold the Fairness in Women’s Sport Act protecting a level playing field for female athletes in school sports.

Title IX was adopted by the federal government to ensure equal access to educational opportunities, including athletics, for girls. But allowing biological males to participate in girls’ sports violates the spirit of Title IX—depriving our girls of opportunities for victories, scholarships, and slots on teams, and jeopardizing their safety and dignity.

Over the last several years, we’ve seen more and more biological males win athletic championships designated for girls—making Idaho’s Fairness in Women’s Sports Act even more important.

Attorney General Raúl Labrador

BOISE, ID — The U.S. Supreme Court today upheld Idaho’s Fairness in Women’s Sports Act, ruling that schools may determine eligibility for women’s and girls’ sports based on biological sex without violating Title IX or the Equal Protection Clause. Attorney General Raúl Labrador’s office successfully defended the law before the Court in January. The 6-3 decision confirms that Idaho, along with the 26 other states with similar laws, may keep women’s and girls’ sports teams reserved for biological females.

“Today’s decision is a victory for common sense, fairness, and the countless girls and women who dedicate themselves to athletics,” said Attorney General Labrador.“Idaho led the nation by becoming the first state to protect women’s sports, and I’ve never wavered in defending that law. The Supreme Court has now confirmed that states can preserve fair competition and protect the opportunities that generations of women fought to secure. Every parent can rest assured that our law protects their daughters competing in Idaho.”

Idaho enacted the Fairness in Women’s Sports Act in 2020 as the first law of its kind in the nation. The legislation requires that public athletic teams, such as high schools and universities, designated for females be based on biological sex at birth. The ACLU sued immediately and lower courts blocked enforcement from the day the law passed. When Attorney General Labrador took office in January 2023, he made defending the law a top priority, and requested that the U.S. Supreme Court review the case. The Court agreed to hear the case in July 2025, consolidating it with a similar case from West Virginia. Oral arguments were held January 13, 2026.

Writing for the majority, Justice Kavanaugh held that Title IX’s reference to “sex” means biological sex, and that its regulations have permitted schools to maintain separate sex-specific teams since 1975. On the constitutional claim, the Court held that the State’s interests in safety and competitive fairness are substantially related to limiting women’s and girls’ teams to biological females, and that states are not required to grant individual exceptions for biological males who identify as female.

Since taking office, Attorney General Labrador has made protecting women and girls a defining priority of his tenure, successfully defending Idaho’s laws at every level of the federal court system.

Idaho GOP

Boise, Idaho — The Idaho Republican Party today hailed the U.S. Supreme Court’s landmark decision in Little v. Hecox, which upheld Idaho’s Fairness in Women’s Sports Act and affirmed that states may maintain women’s and girls’ sports teams for biological females under Title IX and the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment.

Idaho GOP Chairwoman Dorothy Moon praised the ruling as a major victory for fairness, safety, and equal opportunity for female athletes.

“Today’s decision by the Supreme Court is a tremendous win for Idaho girls and women who simply want a level playing field in sports,” said Chairwoman Moon. “The Court correctly recognized that biological sex matters in athletics and that states have the authority to protect female categories. We are proud that Idaho led the way on this issue.”

Moon specifically credited State Representative Barbara Ehardt for her leadership in sponsoring the original Fairness in Women’s Sports Act in 2020.

“Representative Barbara Ehardt had the vision and courage to introduce this legislation years ago when few others were willing to take a stand,” Moon continued. “Her work ensured that Idaho put the safety and opportunities of our daughters first. We thank her for her steadfast commitment to protecting women’s sports.”

The 6-3 ruling reverses lower court decisions and confirms that Idaho’s law—which defines sex based on biology and prohibits biological males from competing on female teams—is fully consistent with federal law. The decision aligns with similar protections now in place in 27 states and policies adopted by major athletic organizations.

“The Supreme Court got it right,” Moon added. “Biological differences between males and females are real and enduring, and they matter in competitive sports. Idaho will continue to stand strong for our female athletes.”