US Supreme Court rules in favor of banning transgender people from women's sports

On Tuesday, the US Supreme Court ruled that states can maintain laws prohibiting transgender people from participating in women's sports teams. The judges considered appeals by the states of Idaho and West Virginia against lower court rulings that found in favor of transgender students. Twenty-five US states have already passed similar laws.

During the more than three-hour hearing, the judges repeatedly emphasized the need to protect fair competition and the safety of women and girls in sports. Justice Brett Kavanaugh pointed out that the inclusion of biological males on women's teams pushes girls out of the positions they have fought for.

Proponents of the ban pointed to biological differences between the sexes, such as muscle mass and lung capacity, which persist even after hormone treatment.

State representatives argued that the laws are based on biological sex, not ideology, and follow long-standing rules allowing for separate sports competitions. According to them, these rules are key to maintaining the success of women's sports.

The Supreme Court's decision may have broader implications for other disputes concerning the rights of transgender people in schools, the military, and public spaces.

(reuters, pir)