Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas garnered significant praise from conservatives following his concurring opinion on a ruling that upheld state laws restricting transgender athletes from participating in women's sports. In his written concurrence, Thomas stated, "Men and boys with gender dysphoria are not women or girls, even if they believe that they are. Sex is an immutable ‘biological’ characteristic; it is binary; and ‘man’ and ‘woman,’ ‘boy’ and ‘girl,’ are the terms that correspond to adults and children of each sex."
He further elaborated, "To use language to obscure reality to show ‘indifference regarding the truth’— is to lie to the public and cease to treat our fellow citizens ‘as equal[s].’"
These statements were widely celebrated by conservative public figures. Texas Congresswoman Beth Van Duyne wrote, "Truth, fact, and common sense from Justice Thomas in ruling that 'men and boys with gender dysphoria ARE NOT WOMEN OR GIRLS'. Amen, sir!!" Conservative influencer Allie Beth Stuckey referred to the ruling as "a win for reality."
Breitbart News reporter Elizabeth Weibel described Thomas' words as a "TRUTH BOMB." Texas state Rep. Jeff Leach reacted by stating, "Put it in the louvre."
The Supreme Court's decision to uphold state laws on the matter was met with criticism from opponents. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), which represented transgender athletes in legal challenges, expressed "heartbreak" over the ruling. "This is a heartbreaking ruling for our clients and transgender girls like them who’ve asked for nothing more than the same opportunities afforded to their peers," said ACLU senior counsel Joshua Block in a statement. "The reality is that the equality of transgender women and girls takes nothing away from, and in fact promotes, the equality of all women and girls. We will continue to advance the fundamental principle that all young people deserve equal opportunity to thrive and succeed."