Female athletes ask 9th Circuit to protect fairness in women’s sports

WHO: Alliance Defending Freedom attorneys

WHAT: Available for media interviews following oral arguments in Hecox v. Little

WHEN: Immediately following hearing, which begins at 2 p.m. PST, Tuesday, Nov. 22

WHERE: A remote hearing before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit; view livestream here. To schedule an interview, contact ADF Media Relations Manager AnnMarie Pariseau at (480) 417-3975.

SAN FRANCISCO – Alliance Defending Freedom attorneys representing Idaho female collegiate athletes who support the state’s Fairness in Women’s Sports Act will be available for media interviews Tuesday following oral arguments at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit.

The athletes are asking the court to dismiss the ACLU’s challenge to a state law protecting women’s sports and lift a hold on the law that forces female athletes to compete against males who identify as female while the lawsuit proceeds. In the case, Hecox v. Little, ADF attorneys represent two collegiate athletes, Madison Kenyon and Mary Kate Marshall, who run track and cross-country at Idaho State University.

“Madison and Mary Kate know from personal experience how demoralizing and defeating it is to train your hardest and best, only to be forced to compete against a male—and be pushed down in the rankings. Women like these two all-star collegiate athletes, and a dozen others we represent across the country, deserve to compete on a level playing field with other women,” said ADF Senior Counsel Christiana Kiefer. “This isn’t political, it isn’t partisan—it’s basic fairness and common sense. We urge the 9th Circuit to listen to the stories of these brave women fighting for the future of women’s sports and restore their ability to compete and win.”

In addition to female athletes, medical professionals, feminist groups, and 14 states filed briefs with the 9th Circuit in support of Idaho’s law protecting women’s sports.

• Pronunciation guide: Kiefer (KEE’-fur)

Alliance Defending Freedom is an alliance-building, non-profit legal organization committed to protecting religious freedom, free speech, parental rights, and the sanctity of life.

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