US Appeals Court Questions Legality of West Virginia's Transgender Athlete Ban

A federal appeals court panel in the United States is likely to allow a transgender middle school girl in West Virginia to compete in girls' track and field, despite a state law seeking to ban transgender girls from participating in girls' sports. The American Civil Liberties Union argued that there is no justification for ranking individuals based on their transgender status, race, or religion unless it creates an unfair competition. West Virginia's Solicitor General argued that biological sex determines physical characteristics relevant to athletics. The panel appeared skeptical of the state's argument, with one judge suggesting that the case may eventually reach the U.S. Supreme Court. At least 22 other states have passed similar bans on transgender athletes participating in sports.