A man who sued the state of Idaho over a law that banned him from competing on women’s sports teams urged the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) Sept. 2 to dismiss the case, saying he no longer wishes to play on women’s teams or continue the lawsuit.
According to the filing, Lindsay Hecox, a male Boise State University student who identifies as a woman, sued the state in 2020. Hecox’s lawyers stated in the filing that Hecox has recently been dealing with illness, the death of his father, and “negative public scrutiny from certain quarters because of this litigation.” The combined factors reportedly prompted him to decide against pursuing participation in women’s sports and drop the case.
SCOTUSblog reported that Hecox has dismissed the claims against Idaho “with prejudice,” meaning that they cannot be refiled. His lawyers argue that “there is no possibility that the controversy might reemerge” and claim that the case is now moot.
The outlet additionally reported that Hecox’s lawyers asked SCOTUS to vacate a previous ruling from the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, which had ruled in 2024 that Hecox could continue playing on women’s sports teams as the case continued. That decision was based on an interpretation of the Constitution’s Equal Protection clause, which ensures fair and equal treatment. Lawyers also asked SCOTUS to send the case back to the lower court with instructions to dismiss the appeal.
In a Sept. 3 letter to the court, Idaho Solicitor General Alan Hurst said that the state intends to oppose Hecox’s request to declare the case moot. He also asked for an extension until Sept. 26 to give the state adequate time to research and prepare a response to Hecox’s filing.
According to SCOTUSblog, the court has not scheduled oral arguments for Hecox’s case.