Hecox v. Little
Description: The American Civil Liberties Union is challenging Idaho’s Fairness in Women's Sports Act to force female athletes to compete against biological males who identify as female.
Female athletes ask 9th Circuit to protect fairness in women's sports
WHO: Alliance Defending Freedom attorneys
WHAT: Available for media interviews following oral arguments in Hecox v. Little
WHEN: Immediately following hearing, which begins at 2 p.m. PST, Tuesday, Nov. 22
WHERE: A remote hearing before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit; view livestream here. To schedule an interview, contact ADF Media Relations Manager AnnMarie Pariseau at (480) 417-3975.
SAN FRANCISCO – Alliance Defending Freedom attorneys representing Idaho female collegiate athletes who support the state’s Fairness in Women’s Sports Act will be available for media interviews Tuesday following oral arguments at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit.
The athletes are asking the court to dismiss the ACLU’s challenge to a state law protecting women’s sports and lift a hold on the law that forces female athletes to compete against males who identify as female while the lawsuit proceeds. In the case, Hecox v. Little, ADF attorneys represent two collegiate athletes, Madison Kenyon and Mary Kate Marshall, who run track and cross-country at Idaho State University.
“Madison and Mary Kate know from personal experience how demoralizing and defeating it is to train your hardest and best, only to be forced to compete against a male—and be pushed down in the rankings. Women like these two all-star collegiate athletes, and a dozen others we represent across the country, deserve to compete on a level playing field with other women,” said ADF Senior Counsel Christiana Kiefer. “This isn’t political, it isn’t partisan—it’s basic fairness and common sense. We urge the 9th Circuit to listen to the stories of these brave women fighting for the future of women’s sports and restore their ability to compete and win.”
In addition to female athletes, medical professionals, feminist groups, and 14 states filed briefs with the 9th Circuit in support of Idaho’s law protecting women’s sports.
- Pronunciation guide: Kiefer (KEE’-fur)
Alliance Defending Freedom is an alliance-building, non-profit legal organization committed to protecting religious freedom, free speech, parental rights, and the sanctity of life.
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Photos
Videos
- Madison Kenyon b-roll
- Mary Kate Marshall b-roll
- Madison Kenyon and Mary Kate Marshall b-roll
- Press conference following 9th Circuit oral arguments (2021-05-03)
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ABOUT Christiana Kiefer
Christiana Kiefer serves as senior counsel for Alliance Defending Freedom, where she is a key member of the Center for Conscience Initiatives. Since joining ADF in 2012, Kiefer has worked to protect women's and girls' sports and has defended the bodily privacy rights of students. She has also worked to protect the constitutionally protected freedom of churches, Christian schools, and Christian ministries to exercise their faith without government interference. Kiefer earned her J.D. in 2010 from Oak Brook College of Law and Government Policy, where she graduated first in her class and served as a teaching assistant in criminal law. Also in 2010, Kiefer completed the ADF leadership development program to become a Blackstone Fellow. She is admitted to the state bar of California, the U.S. Supreme Court, and numerous federal district and appellate courts.
ABOUT Roger Brooks
Roger G. Brooks serves as senior counsel with Alliance Defending Freedom, where he is a key member of the Center for Conscience Initiatives. Brooks focuses his efforts on protecting freedom of speech, free exercise of religion, and parental rights, and defending those who believe that the biological reality of male and female matters. Prior to joining ADF in 2018, Brooks worked with the New York law firm of Cravath, Swaine & Moore for 25 years, 19 of those as a partner in the litigation department. Brooks received an A.B. from Princeton University, followed by a master’s degree in history and a Juris Doctor from the University of Virginia. After law school, Brooks clerked with the Hon. John D. Butzner, Jr., of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit. He received his Master of Divinity from Regent College Seminary in Vancouver, British Columbia. Brooks served on the board of ADF (2012-2014) and on the board of the Christian Legal Society (2002-2011). He is a member of the state bars of New York and North Carolina.