Minnesota Supreme Court Condemns USA Powerlifting for Discrimination Against Transgender Athlete
The Minnesota Supreme Court has ruled that USA Powerlifting discriminated against a transgender athlete, JayCee Cooper, violating the state’s Human Rights Act. This decision was made on a Wednesday in October 2023 and partially reversed an earlier appeals court ruling. The case focuses on Cooper’s exclusion from two women’s powerlifting competitions held in 2018.
Background of the Case
Cooper, a transgender woman, argued that her denial to compete was an act of discrimination. USA Powerlifting defended its actions by asserting that its policy was not directed at her gender identity, but rather based on perceived physical advantages linked to her sex assigned at birth.
Key Rulings
- The court confirmed that USA Powerlifting lacked a formal policy regarding transgender participation at the time of its initial decision.
- It found that USA Powerlifting’s blanket exclusion of transgender women from the women’s division constituted discrimination.
- The ruling affirmed that there is a dispute over whether USA Powerlifting had a legitimate business reason to exclude transgender women.
While the court ruled in favor of Cooper on discrimination grounds, it directed the lower court to examine USA Powerlifting’s additional business claim. This requires the organization to demonstrate a legitimate justification for its exclusion policy.
Reactions to the Ruling
Advocates for LGBTQ rights celebrated the decision as a landmark victory. Jess Braverman, Gender Justice Legal Director, emphasized that the ruling clarifies that transgender women cannot be barred from women’s sports teams.
On the other hand, Ansis Viksnins, representing USA Powerlifting, welcomed the opportunity to present evidence regarding the purported competitive advantages of transgender women. He noted the legal complexities introduced by the ruling and expressed concerns about potential conflicts with federal law.
In a separate context, Minnesota House Speaker, Lisa Demuth, characterized the Supreme Court’s decision as detrimental to women’s sports, emphasizing concerns about fairness and safety. She indicated that legislative measures would be pursued to restrict participation of transgender women in female sports.
Next Steps in the Legal Process
The Supreme Court’s ruling sets the stage for further legal proceedings regarding USA Powerlifting’s business discrimination claim. The lower court must determine if there are reasonable alternatives to the exclusion policy that does not rely on stereotypes about transgender women.
This ongoing dialogue highlights the broader societal implications surrounding transgender rights in sports, as various states and federal entities navigate conflicting policies and laws.
