BOISE, ID — A federal judge has rejected an attempt to dismiss the ongoing case challenging Idaho’s Fairness in Women’s Sports Act, keeping the matter active as it awaits potential review by the U.S. Supreme Court.

U.S. District Judge David Nye ruled against plaintiff Lindsay Hecox’s notice to dismiss the case, determining the filing violated a stay currently in effect while the case is pending before the Supreme Court. The decision leaves the case open in district court.

Hecox originally filed the lawsuit in 2020, challenging Idaho’s law that restricts transgender women and girls from participating in female athletic teams. The state has defended the law since its passage, arguing it ensures fairness in women’s sports.

In his order, Judge Nye stated that Idaho “has a fair right to have its arguments heard and adjudicated once and for all,” adding that the attempt to dismiss “contravenes the stay currently in place.”

The case, Hecox v. Little, was appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court in July 2025 after years of litigation. Both parties agreed to pause proceedings in district court while awaiting the high court’s decision.

In September, Hecox filed to voluntarily dismiss the lawsuit, while also submitting a separate motion to the Supreme Court suggesting the case is now moot. The state objected, asking the district court to strike the dismissal notice, which Judge Nye granted.

If the Supreme Court declines to dismiss the case, oral arguments are expected to take place in January 2026.