A judge has blocked Arizona’s new law prohibiting transgender athletes from participating in girls’ sports from going into effect. U.S. District Court Judge Jennifer Zipps, who was appointed to the bench by President Barack Obama, issued the injunction on Thursday after a lawsuit was filed by two anonymous transgender athletes. Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne said he will appeal the ruling.
Arizona Women of Action issued a response afterwards to the ruling. “Title IX was enacted to protect girls,” the group said in a statement. “To give them equal rights to fair competition, safety, and future opportunities. Arizona’s Save Women’s Sports Act was enacted to solidify the intent of Title IX — to protect biological girls. Sadly, the judge ruled NOT to protect girls OR Arizona / US law.”
The lawsuit was brought against the state by two anonymous transgender students alleging violations of the Equal Protection Clause and Title IX.
Attorney General Kris Mayes declined to defend the state against the lawsuit, prompting Senate President Warren Petersen (R-Mesa) and House Speaker Ben Toma (R-Peoria) to intervene in place of her.
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