The U.S. Supreme Court has issued a 6-3 decision to uphold state laws that protect women's sports, a ruling celebrated by activists but met with a somber acknowledgment of the long and draining fight.
Riley Gaines, a prominent advocate for women's sports, described the decision as a significant win but admitted the sustained effort has taken a considerable toll. "I don't want to speak for anyone else. Um, but there is a level of me that's exhausted as well," Gaines told Fox News Digital. She added that it is "exhausting" to still be debating such issues in the current year, noting that a decade ago, the principle of keeping biological males out of women's sports would have been considered an obvious standard.
Gaines highlighted the need for further action, stating, "Number one, Congress to act." She called for Congress to codify executive orders and establish "real enforcement mechanisms" for those affected by what she termed a "crippling disease that is TDS." According to Gaines, true change will come when "everyday people," such as parents and coaches, are willing to "defend their daughters or defend their athletes or defend themselves."
During oral arguments for the cases, Gaines led a rally of women's sports advocates outside the Supreme Court, where they encountered a group of pro-transgender activists. Gaines characterized the opposing group as displaying "anger," "negativity," and "vitriol."
Broader Reactions and Future Steps
Other activists involved in the movement shared their perspectives. Jen Sey, founder of XX-XY Athletics, called it "unacceptable" that 23 states do not have laws protecting women's sports, emphasizing that "we won, but we are not done." Sey believes that while the ruling protects athletes in states with existing laws, the ultimate goal is a cultural shift that will lead governing bodies to protect the women's category.
Former UPenn women's swimmer Paula Scanlan, who previously competed alongside transgender swimmer Lia Thomas, praised the decision but stressed the need for protections in all 50 states. She expressed disappointment that the ruling was not unanimous but called it a "win."
Brooke Slusser, a former San Jose State volleyball player, described the ruling as the "biggest win" for female athletes to date. The decision upholds laws in states like West Virginia and Idaho that require student-athletes to compete based on their biological sex at birth.
Payton McNabb, whose volleyball career was impacted by competing against a transgender player, shared her relief in an op-ed, stating that the decision is a "reminder that truth does not disappear simply because someone believes a delusion."
Gaines and other activists are now looking toward legislative solutions to ensure consistent protections for women's sports across the nation, while acknowledging the emotional and social labor involved in the ongoing advocacy.