Fairness WV issues statement on SCOTUS’ decision in West Virginia v. B.P.J.

CHARLESTON, West Virginia — The Supreme Court of the United States today released an opinion upholding West Virginia’s ban on transgender girls participating on girls’ sports teams. A plaintiff in one of two similar cases before the court, Becky Pepper-Jackson, is a transgender girl who competes with other girls on her track and field team in West Virginia.

Andrew Schneider, executive director of Fairness West Virginia, issued the following statement in response to the decision:

“This is a disappointing decision from our nation’s highest court. The justices found that West Virginia’s transgender athlete ban does not violate the Equal Protection Clause or Title IX. It’s important to note, though, that the decision stops short of requiring states to ban transgender athletes.

In the majority opinion, Justice Brett Kavanaugh writes at length about the importance of sports and all of the wonderful things young people learn from participating in them. All young people in West Virginia, no matter their gender identity, should be able to benefit from that.

While this decision is not the one we were hoping for, we will not be deterred from standing up for what is right. All LGBTQ+ people deserve a fair shot in life, and they deserve the chance to participate fully in their schools, workplaces, and communities. We will continue to show up and speak out to support trans Mountaineers.”

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Please direct questions to Jack Jarvis, Communications Director, at jack@fairnesswv.org.

Fairness West Virginiais the statewide civil rights advocacy organization dedicated to fair treatment and civil rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer West Virginians. Our mission is to ensure LGBTQ+ people can be open, honest and safe at home, at work, and in the community. We are open to everyone who believes in fundamental fairness.