Skip to main content
Docket 24-38October Term 2025 (2025–2026)

Bradley Little, Governor of Idaho, et al., Petitioners v. Lindsay Hecox, et al.

A transgender woman challenges Idaho's Fairness in Women's Sports Act, which prohibits transgender girls and women from participating on female sports teams at public schools and universities.

Case status

Current stage
Awaiting Decision
Latest event
Argued Jan 13, 2026
Decision timing
Expected by late June or early July of the Court term unless the Court orders otherwise.
Case AcceptedJul 3, 2025
Arguments HeardJan 13, 2026
Decision ReleasedUpcoming
What it's about

A transgender woman challenges Idaho's Fairness in Women's Sports Act, which prohibits transgender girls and women from participating on female sports teams at public schools and universities. The case, brought by Lindsay Hecox who wanted to compete on Boise State's women's cross-country team, tests whether such bans violate the Equal Protection Clause.

Question presented

May a state, consistent with the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment, categorically require sports participants to compete based on their biological sex, rather than gender identity?

Case path

United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit / Argued Jan 13, 2026

Area

Civil Rights

Briefing

What it's about

The Supreme Court heard arguments in a fight over Idaho's Fairness in Women's Sports Act, which bars transgender girls and women from female sports teams at public schools and universities. The case asks whether the Equal Protection Clause lets a state require athletes to compete based on biological sex rather than gender identity.

Argument

The case was argued on January 13, 2026, and the Court has not ruled yet. Idaho says the Constitution allows its categorical sports rule, while Hecox argues that ban violates the Equal Protection Clause.

Impact

The case could affect school and college sports rules for transgender students across the country. For example, it will matter to athletes like Lindsay Hecox, who wanted to run on Boise State's women's cross-country team.

What is the core dispute in Bradley Little v. Hecox?

The case asks whether Idaho can require school athletes to compete based on biological sex. Hecox says that rule unlawfully excludes transgender girls and women.

Who could feel the real-world effects of this case?

Students, colleges, and school sports programs could all be affected. The decision could shape who may join female teams at public schools and universities.

What happens next procedurally in the case?

The Supreme Court has already heard argument. The main next step is a written decision, likely by late June or early July unless the schedule changes.