Transgender Student Athletes: HB 500 Fact Sheet

Earlier this year, the Idaho Legislature passed a bill that bans women and girls who are transgender from school and college sports. The law also forces all girls and women who participate in school athletics to endure invasive testing to prove their sex if anyone disputes their gender. The bill was known as House Bill 500, or HB 500 for short. The Governor signed the bill and on July 1, 2020, it became an Idaho law.What is the lawsuit about?The law makes Idaho the only state to completely bar all women and girls who are transgender from sports. We sued because trans people belong everywhere, including in schools and on sports teams. The lawsuit asks the court to strike down the new law.What is the hearing on July 22 about?The hearing is for the lawyers in the case to make arguments to the judge about HB 500. There are three big topics they will argue about:Will the judge #LetLindsayRun? The judge has to decide whether to stop HB 500 from taking effect during the coming school year. The judge can do that by issuing an order called a “preliminary injunction.” That order would stop the government from enforcing HB 500 for now. If the court issues an injunction, Lindsay Hecox can try out for Boise State’s cross-country team next month.Should the court dismiss the case? State officials have all asked

Affirming the rights of transgender women and intersex athletes.

House Bill 500 would prevent student athletes from participating in sports according to their authentic gender identity, a departure from current guiding policies from the Idaho High School Activities Association.

Lawmakers in Idaho are targeting transgender youth with a proposed ban on their participation in school sports.