Press Release: Basic Rights Oregon Response to Trans Athletes Supreme Court Decision
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 30, 2026
Contact: media@basicrights.org
Basic Rights Oregon Will Continue to Protect Rights of Trans Kids Who Want to Play Sports
Oregon policy allows trans students to compete on teams aligning with their gender identity
Portland, Ore. — The Supreme Court ruled this morning that states may ban transgender girls from participating in sports at publicly funded schools. The ruling was in response to two cases — West Virginia v. B.P.J. and Little v. Hecox, and specifies that states “may determine eligibility for women’s and girls’ sports based on biological sex.” While the ruling allows for discrimination, it does not require that states exclude trans athletes.
Here in Oregon, our hard-fought policies allow transgender and gender expansive student athletes to participate in sports. Backed by the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) and the Oregon School Activities Association (OSAA), state law mandates that public high schools allow transgender students to compete on athletic teams aligning with their gender identity. These inclusive practices are consistent with the Oregon Equality Act, which prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
“This is a disappointing time for young athletes and their families. We don’t want to diminish the national heartbreak, but we also want to assure Oregonians that trans kids are still allowed to play in our state,” said Kyndall Mason, Executive Director of Basic Rights Oregon. “For decades, we’ve been tirelessly fighting theses efforts to deny transgender people control over their own bodies, identities, and lives, and we will continue to advocate for the freedom of all people to be themselves without political interference.”
While the issues in these cases are solely focused on the rights of trans kids to play sports with their friends, the decision empowers extremist efforts to push transgender people out of public life. Conservative leaders are targeting a handful of children instead of focusing on the real issues in our country: housing, employment, fully funded schools, affordable living, and accessible healthcare.
“Here in Oregon, we will continue to protect the rights of everyone to fully participate in public life. It is simply unfair to deny a child the benefits of teamwork and dedication because of who they are,” said Seth Johnstone, Policy and Research Director of Basic Rights Oregon.
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Basic Rights Oregon is the state’s largest and longest running nonprofit LGBTQ2SIA+ advocacy group. Our mission is to ensure that all lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer Oregonians experience equality by building a broad and inclusive politically powerful movement, shifting public opinion and achieving policy victories. For more information, visit www.basicrights.org.