US court: Banning a transgender athlete from competing in the women's category is discrimination

The Minnesota Supreme Court has ruled that weightlifter JayCee Cooper was discriminated against by USA Powerlifting after being denied entry into women's competitions in 2018, reports Fox9.

The court stated that this constituted discrimination based on sexual orientation under the Minnesota Human Rights Act.

At the same time, however, it recognized that the organization can present a defense based on a “legitimate business purpose,” which means that part of the case will be referred back to the district court.

USA Powerlifting argues that biological differences between athletes born male and female could compromise the fairness of competitions.

The case also sparked strong reactions among politicians—Minnesota State House Speaker Lisa Demuth criticized the decision as a threat to fairness in women's sports.

(mja)