Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) President and CEO Kristen Waggoner stated her organization's commitment to removing "gender ideology" from legal frameworks, particularly concerning women's sports. This comes after ADF secured a significant Supreme Court victory and continues to pursue litigation against states that permit transgender athletes to compete in women's sports.
Waggoner discussed ADF's efforts to navigate interviews with mainstream media outlets, noting a shift in public perception and media coverage over the past decade. "I think now as Americans have seen in real time the differences between men and women, they already knew that, but the media has also begun to shift a little bit as well in recognizing that eight of 10 Americans support the right of women to have fair play," Waggoner said. She acknowledged that while interviews can be challenging, she is grateful for the opportunity to present ADF's perspective.
Ongoing Litigation and Legal Strategy
ADF is actively engaged in lawsuits in 23 states that do not have laws protecting women's sports. Waggoner emphasized the organization's goal to challenge the influence of gender ideology in law, asserting it harms women, girls, children, and parental rights. "We have several lawsuits that are already ongoing in those 23 states, and we will continue to work to protect women and girls," she stated.
The organization is also pursuing legal action in specific cases, including a Title IX lawsuit in Washington state following an alleged sexual assault during a wrestling match involving a transgender athlete. Waggoner described the incident as "horrendous" and criticized the state's response, stating, "the fact that the state has essentially said there was consent because the girl was wrestling is especially egregious."
ADF is also involved in a Title IX lawsuit in Minnesota concerning a transgender pitcher who competed in a girls' softball championship. Despite a previous dismissal by a federal judge, Waggoner expressed confidence in continued legal efforts, citing the Supreme Court's recognition that "this is a zero-sum game" and that when a boy takes a spot on a team, "he takes that spot from a girl."
In Vermont, ADF recently achieved a legal victory and settlement for a Christian school that had been banned from state sports for refusing to compete against a team with a transgender athlete. This case also highlights ADF's commitment to religious freedom, asserting that the right to raise children consistent with faith traditions is paramount.
Waggoner also referenced a 2018 Title IX lawsuit in Connecticut, the first of its kind in the U.S., filed on behalf of high school track athletes who alleged that transgender competitors deprived them of state championships and opportunities. "Up to 85 opportunities were lost by girls, as these boys competed," Waggoner said.
Advocating for Courage and Action
Waggoner urged women to speak out and be courageous in advocating for women's and girls' sports. "My message would be that there's no room for cowardice. There's only room for courage, and that it's never too late to speak out on behalf of women and girls," she stated. She stressed that the equal opportunities afforded by Title IX should be preserved for future generations.