Congressman Mike Simpson speaks on SCOTUS hearing regarding trans athletes

NAMPA, Idaho — On Tuesday, the Supreme Court of the United States heard oral arguments over whether transgender girls should be allowed to participate in women's school sports. Idaho Attorney General Raul Labrador was inside the courtroom, and Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson was outside, where supporters and opponents of the law rallied.

The justices considered a pair of cases from Idaho and West Virginia, where federal courts have blocked state laws prohibiting transgender girls from playing on teams consistent with their gender identity. In 2020, Idaho passed the Fairness in Women's Sports Act, which forbade biological males from competing in women's interscholastic sports.

I asked Congressman Simpson why he felt the need to be present for the hearing.

"I said during my remarks that I'm surprised that I have to be here or any of those people have to be here because this is common sense, frankly, as far as I'm concerned, that biological males should just not be playing in women's sports, that's just the reality," replied Congressman Simpson.

Hear what Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson thinks about today's SCOTUS hearing

According to the Williams Institute, a think tank at the UCLA School of Law, Transgender athletes make up just over 1% of the more than 8 million teenage student athletes nationwide. Asked why he considers this such an important issue when there are many other national matters to address, he said.

"Even though it's only one percent or whatever the percentage is— if that individual takes a scholarship away from a woman who would otherwise be able to go to college and get a scholarship, and advance and compete in sports, that's one too many," said Congressman Simpson.

As Idaho News 6 previously reported, Boise State transgender athlete Lindsay Hecox attempted to withdraw her lawsuit challenging Idaho's ruling on trans athletes in 2025, citing personal hardship, family loss, and negative public scrutiny. A federal judge denied the request, saying it was important to set legal precedent as the case reached the Supreme Court.

"But when you make a decision or any decision in life, there are consequences to those decisions, and one of the things if you decide to become trans means that you probably will not be able to compete in women's sports, that's just the reality," said the Congressman.

Idaho lawmakers and leaders express their views on the Fairness in Women's Sports Act

Following the hearing, Idaho Attorney General Raúl demonstrated his hopes for the future of Idaho's ban on trans athletes in women's sports, saying, "My hope is that the Court will affirm common-sense protections that ensure women's spaces and sports remain fair, safe, and dedicated to empowering female athletes."

Idaho's republican lawmakers expressed support for Idaho's law banning trans athletes from competing in women's interscholastic sports before and after the SCOTUS hearing.

Here's what Rep. Russ Fulcher (R) had to say:

Here's what Gov. Brad Little (R) had to say:

Here's what Senator Jim Risch (R) had to say:

State Senator and Minority Leader Melissa Wintrow (D) issued the following statement following the SCOTUS hearings: "We all want sports to be fair and kids to be safe, and those rules belong with school districts and sports associations, not politicians using a one-size-fits-all ban to target a tiny group of students. I’m focused on protecting privacy and keeping Idaho kids and families at the center, lowering costs, strengthening schools, and expanding opportunity statewide."

It may take weeks or months before the Supreme Court issues its ruling. Idaho News 6 will keep you up to date.

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