Summarised by Centrist
A federal court has ruled in favour of four female high school athletes challenging the US state of Connecticut’s policy that allows male athletes to compete in women’s sports.
Track athletes Selina Soule, Alanna Smith, Chelsea Mitchell, and Ashley Nicoletti argue that competing against biologically male athletes is unfair and violates Title IX, which mandates equal opportunities for female athletes.
US District Judge Robert N. Chatigny rejected Connecticut officials’ bid to dismiss the case, permitting the athletes’ lawsuit to continue and signalling a potential win for women’s sports.
Represented by Alliance Defending Freedom, the athletes maintain that competing against males undermines their accomplishments and distorts their athletic records. “Selina, Chelsea, Alanna, and Ashley—like all female athletes—deserve access to fair competition,” stated legal counsel Rachel Rouleau. Roleau applauded the court’s decision as a step toward safeguarding women’s sports.
The ruling comes as public opinion also leans toward protecting female athletes’ rights. Nearly three-quarters of voters support reallocating medals won by male athletes to female competitors.
President-elect Donald Trump has pledged to ban transgender-identifying males from women’s sports. “I’m ending it. On Day One, I’m ending it,” he declared during his campaign.
