The National Association of Evangelicals (NAE) affirms the Supreme Court’s decisions earlier this week upholding state laws that maintain separate athletic competition categories based on biological sex. These rulings support state efforts to promote fairness for women and girl athletes. The NAE submitted an amicus brief in the Little v. Hecox and West Virginia v. B.J.P cases.

“As image bearers of God, humans are created with inherent dignity and in the beautiful diversity of being male and female,” said Walter Kim, president of the National Association of Evangelicals. “That dignity and diversity have found powerful expression in women’s athletics, which has opened doors for generations of girls and women. The Court’s decisions create a level playing field with fairer competition and preserve opportunities for women and girls in athletics.”

The Court did not address the significant religious freedom concerns outlined in the amicus brief filed by the NAE and others. These issues have already arisen in jurisdictions where transgender identity is treated as a suspect class with special rights under a legal standard known as strict scrutiny. Such classification could undermine religious employment rights and free exercise by stigmatizing and threatening religious groups with fines, penalties and loss of public benefits. The NAE will continue to advocate for robust protections for religious freedom as other cases come before the Court.

“While many will celebrate these decisions and others will experience deep disappointment, all people deserve compassion, dignity and respect,” said Kim. “These principles extend far beyond school sports, to all areas of life, and to people of all faiths. As our nation celebrates 250 years of democracy, we urge Americans to pursue both conviction and compassion in the public square.”