Minnesota court gives win to transgender powerlifter who was barred from competing as a woman
October 22, 2025
The Minnesota Supreme Court has delivered a win to transgender weightlifter JayCee Cooper, saying she’s protected by the state’s expansive human rights law. But the organization that banned her from competing in its women’s division said it still has a chance. The high court ruled Wednesday that USA Powerlifting’s policy barring her is “facially discriminatory” under the Minnesota Human Rights Act. The high court sent the case back to the trial court for further proceedings but the two sides disagree over whether that matters. USA Powerlifting rejected Cooper’s application in 2018, leading to a lawsuit in 2021. The case has drawn significant national attention.