Church and Society Grieves U.S. Supreme Court Decision Upholding State Bans on Transgender Athletes
On June 30, 2026, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld West Virginia and Idaho laws that prohibit transgender athletes from playing on girls’ and women’s sports teams.
The General Board of Church and Society grieves the Supreme Court’s ruling in West Virginia v. B.P.J. and Little v. Hecox, which upheld West Virginia and Idaho laws excluding transgender youth from participating in girls’ and women’s school athletics.
The ruling comes amid a broader wave of legislation targeting LGBTQIA+ people across the United States, including last year’s Supreme Court decision upholding a Tennessee law restricting access to gender-affirming care for transgender youth.
Participation in sports is linked with greater self-esteem, school belonging, and positive mental health outcomes among LGBTQ+ youth. Excluding transgender youth from athletics denies opportunities available to their peers and reinforces the stigma and isolation many already face due to disproportionately high rates of bullying, discrimination, and mental health challenges. The impact of this decision extends beyond the playing field, contributing to the further marginalization of transgender young people and the wider transgender community.
The United Methodist Church begins its witness with the conviction that every person bears the image of God and possesses inherent dignity and worth.
The Basic Rights and Freedoms section of The United Methodist Social Principles states:
“Because all people are of sacred worth and certain basic human rights are due to everyone, we are committed to supporting the equal rights, liberties, and protections of all people, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.”
The Social Principles recognize that gender minorities are often disproportionately affected by discrimination and call on churches, governments, businesses, and civic organizations to combat unjust treatment and promote equal rights and protections for all. (2025-2028 Social Principles, ¶ 163, Basic Rights and Freedoms, I. Sexual Orientations and Gender Identities)
The Social Principles also affirm the need to support young people in their full participation in their communities. “We call on church and society to support and advocate for the well-being of all children and young people and for their safety, nurture, agency, education, and participation in church and community life.” (2025-2028 Social Principles, ¶ 163, Basic Rights and Freedoms, B. Children and Young People)
Actions You Can Take
- Join Church and Society’s LGBTQIA+ monthly working group (contact advocacy@umcjustice.org to join).
Read Church and Society’s position statement on LGBTQIA+ Human Rights.
Urge state legislatures and governors to support policies that uphold the full participation of all young people.
Call upon United Methodists, people of faith, and all people of conscience to advocate for the rights and well-being of transgender youth and to support them and their families within our churches and communities.
