Legislation: HB 500 (2020): Barring Transgender Girls in Sports. Bill sponsored by Representative Barbara Ehardt (Idaho Falls)
Law: Signed into law March 2020 (effective: July 2020)
Legal challenge: Hecox v. Little, filed April 2020. Filed by ACLU, ACLU of Idaho, Legal Voice, and Cooley LLP. Complaint
In 2020, Idaho passed a law that bans trans women and girls from participating in women’s sports. Lindsay Hecox, a Boise State University athlete, sued Idaho in April 2020 because the law could violate her privacy, is exclusionary, and is discriminatory. Lindsay is represented by the ACLU and ACLU of Idaho. The law is currently on hold while Lindsay’s case moves through the courts. Unfortunately, and despite the pause, local districts and school sports associations have begun to implement anti-trans policies on sports participation.
While we await the court’s decision, transgender girls and women have a right to participate in women’s sports in Idaho. Student athletes, parents, and school officials should familiarize themselves with their school (and school district) policies, particularly any anti-discrimination policies. If you or your child is a high school student, review the Idaho High School Activities Association policy on nondiscrimination, which provides detailed guidance on trans women in high school sports.
Cases like Hecox v Little can take several years to fully resolve in the judicial system and status and enforceability of the law can change rapidly. Please check back often and stay informed.
If you or your child is having difficulty playing sports in Idaho because of their gender, please report a civil liberties violation with us.
