US Supreme Court Affirms State Bans on Trans Athletes; Melania Trump Says LGBTQ Support Can Coexist

On June 30, 2026 the U.S. Supreme Court upheld two state laws—West Virginia’s and Idaho’s—that prohibit transgender girls and women from competing on female school and college sports teams. The ruling protects similar bans in 27 states and allows schools to maintain sex‑based categories under Title IX and the Fourteenth Amendment’s Equal Protection Clause.

First Lady Melania Trump replied on X, stating, “As many of you may know, I fully support the LGBTQIA+ community. But we must also ensure that our female athletes are protected and respected.” She framed the decision as compatible with her support for LGBTQ rights, arguing that protecting opportunities for biological‑female athletes does not require abandoning LGBTQ advocacy. Critics warn the decision could further marginalise transgender youth, while supporters claim it preserves fairness in women’s sports.