West Virginia Governor Vows to Protect Girls’ Sports Amid Trans Athlete Controversy

In a fiery stand for fairness, West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey is doubling down on his pledge to safeguard women’s sports as a transgender athlete, 13-year-old Becky Pepper-Jackson, competed in the girls’ state track championship. The freshman from Bridgeport Senior High School placed third in discus and eighth in shot put, sparking renewed debate over the inclusion of transgender athletes in girls’ competitions.

Morrisey, unyielding in his stance, took to social media to call for separate scorekeeping at the meet, ensuring that true winners can be recognized once ongoing legal battles conclude. "It’s wrong and unfair," he declared, urging officials to maintain distinct records while the state awaits a Supreme Court ruling. West Virginia’s law, which sought to bar biological males from girls’ sports, was struck down by a federal appeals court last year, citing its inapplicability to a middle school-aged transgender girl on puberty blockers who has identified as female since third grade.

The state has since appealed to the Supreme Court, hoping to reverse the decision. In 2023, the high court allowed Pepper-Jackson to continue competing on her middle school track and cross-country teams, a ruling that continues to fuel tensions. As the postseason unfolds, Morrisey called on coaches to encourage athletes to take a stand against transgender participation without fear of unfair repercussions.

"What’s happening in West Virginia is contrary to law and fairness," Morrisey wrote, pressing for comprehensive result tracking to honor rightful victors when the legal dust settles. The issue remains a lightning rod, with the governor’s resolve signaling a broader cultural clash over equity, identity, and athletic integrity.