USA Powerlifting Defends Women’s Sports Amid Court Battle Over Transgender Athlete

24.10.2025

USA Powerlifting is standing firm in its commitment to fairness and safety in women’s sports following a controversial ruling by the Minnesota Supreme Court. The court declared the organisation’s exclusion of a biologically male athlete from the women’s division as “facially discriminatory,” despite scientific evidence showing significant strength advantages retained by males—even after hormone suppression.

The case centers on JayCee Cooper, a transgender-identifying male who was barred from competing in women’s powerlifting events in 2018. USA Powerlifting argues that allowing male-born athletes to compete against women undermines the integrity of female competition, citing research showing up to a 64% strength advantage for males.

While the court reversed part of a previous appeals decision, it also sent the matter back to a lower court to determine whether USA Powerlifting has a “legitimate business purpose” for its policy. The organisation’s attorney, Ansis Viksnins, welcomed the opportunity to present evidence supporting their stance.

Minnesota Republicans voiced concern over the ruling’s implications for Title IX protections. House Speaker Lisa Demuth emphasised that girls should not be forced to compete against boys, pledging legislative action to safeguard female sports.

Meanwhile, activists celebrated the decision as a win for transgender inclusion. However, the broader debate continues, with the Trump administration launching federal investigations into states that permit male athletes in female divisions.

As this legal battle unfolds, USA Powerlifting remains committed to defending the rights of female athletes and preserving the fairness that women have fought hard to achieve. The outcome could set a precedent for how sports organisations nationwide navigate the complex intersection of biology, identity, and competition.