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.
- 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.
Related cases




Grounding
- Grounding
- Primary materials plus reporting.
- Note
- Best-effort analysis: this explainer relies on a mix of primary materials and trusted secondary sources. Official filings and opinions remain authoritative.
- Checked
- Jun 1, 2026
- Method
- Methodology
Primary materials8
Supreme Court docket 24-38
docket | Jun 5, 2026
Primary case document
Supreme Court document | Jun 5, 2026
Questions Presented
brief | Mar 8, 2026
Oral Arguments - Little
audio | Jan 13, 2026
Petition
brief | Jul 11, 2024
SupremeCourt.gov
official | Jun 1, 2026
SupremeCourt.gov
official | Jun 1, 2026
SupremeCourt.gov
official | Jun 1, 2026