Judge Weighs Challenges to Minnesota Transgender-Athlete Policy

A federal judge is considering whether two lawsuits challenging Minnesota’s transgender-athlete policy should move forward.

Judge Eric Tostrud heard arguments Monday in cases brought by Female Athletes United, representing four softball players, and the U-S Justice Department. Both argue that allowing transgender girls to compete in girls sports violates Title Nine’s protections against sex discrimination.

Minnesota is asking for the cases to be dismissed. State attorneys say the policy protects transgender students and follows Minnesota’s anti-discrimination law.

The hearings focused on whether the lawsuits can proceed. They did not produce a final ruling on the policy.