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The Minnesota Supreme Court announced last week that it plans to hear the case of a transgender woman who was denied entry into a powerlifting competition.

In 2018, JayCee Cooper requested to compete in women’s weightlifting competitions. Powerlifting USA denied her request.

Cooper sued Powerlifting USA, arguing that its policies violate Minnesota’s Human Rights Act. 

In 2023, a Ramsey County District Court judge 

 finding that Cooper’s exclusion was illegal discrimination.  

But, in March, the Minnesota Court of Appeals 

. Now, the Supreme Court says it will hear the case.

Jess Braverman is the legal director for the nonprofit Gender Justice and one of the attorneys on Cooper’s case.

“No one should be denied the opportunity to pursue their dreams and ambitions simply because of who they are,” Braverman said. “Our laws are supposed to protect all Minnesotans from discrimination based on their identity. It is clear that Ms. Cooper faced discrimination specifically because she is a transgender athlete, and we are confident the court will agree.”

In a statement, Gender Justice said the case could have broad implications for transgender athletes in Minnesota. 

Powerlifting USA previously said excluding Cooper from the women’s division was not discrimination, arguing that she would have a physical advantage over others in the women’s competition category.

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Estelle Timar-Wilcox

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The Minnesota Supreme Court announced last week it plans to hear the case of JayCee Cooper, a transgender weightlifter who was denied entry into USA Powerlifting’s women’s competition category. Cooper alleges this was discrimination, in violation of Minnesota’s Human Rights Act.

A black and white photo of a woman lifting 

Minnesota Supreme Court to hear case of transgender athlete’s competition participation

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