West Virginia and Idaho Ask US Supreme Court to Review Transgender Athlete Ban Rulings

West Virginia and Idaho have asked the US Supreme Court to review rulings that have blocked the enforcement of state laws prohibiting transgender athletes from competing in sports. This was revealed in separate cases that involve transgender athletes who hope to compete on female-designated teams at the K-12 and college level, respectively. According to West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey, “If the Supreme Court takes this up, it will determine the fate of women’s sports across the entire country for many years to come,”. Governor Jim Justice had signed the controversial sports law into effect in March this year. The state’s transgender sports ban was ruled a violation of national civil rights in schools by a 4th US Circuit Court of Appeals panel in April. The state laws barring transgender women and girls from competing in particular women’s or girls’ sports competitions are a key point in recent years’ legislative and legal fights over the position of transgender individuals in US public life.

Transgender Sports Ban Ruling Violates Title IX, the National Civil Rights Law that Bars Sex-Based Discrimination in Schools

The appeal for the transgender athlete’s case comes after a 14-year-old girl from West Virginia’s case made her go through puberty-blocking medication, and went public identifying herself as a girl since she was in the third grade. The girl expressed hope of playing on a girls’ high school team. The law enforcements particularly target transgender women and girls, who may be taking hormone therapy to look like their gender identity that does not correspond to their actual biological sex at birth.

States File Lawsuits in Defense of the Law

West Virginia and Idaho lawyers filed a lawsuit to appeal to Supreme Court judges to defend the state laws prohibiting transgender girls and women from playing on female teams as activists work against the laws, which they consider to sideline women and girls in sports. The lawsuit covers at least 24 states, mostly controlled by Republicans, with legislation barring transgender women and girls from competing in several women’s or girls’ sports events. Idaho Attorney General Raúl Labrador stated on Thursday that his state is committed to making sure women and girls have a fair chance both on and off the field. The lawsuit also includes a fierce battle over participation in sports, as well as prohibitions on gender-affirming health care and restricting which bathrooms and locker rooms transgender people use, especially in schools.

ACLU and Legal Team Stands Firm on Protecting Transgender Student’s Right to Play

The ACLU, the ACLU of West Virginia, Lambda Legal, and Cooley Law Firm jointly released a statement in response to the call to review the ban on transgender athletes participating in female sports from West Virginia and Idaho. The legal team representing the transgender West Virginia student, Becky Pepper-Jackson, stated that, “As the Fourth Circuit made abundantly clear, our client deserves the opportunity to participate in sports teams without discrimination. We will make our position clear to the Court and continue to defend the right of all students to play as who they are.”

Helping Houston Seniors After Hurricane Beryl

After Hurricane Beryl, several dozen seniors lost power at an independent living center in Houston. Joe and Terri Hackle visited the center, delivering backup generators and hundreds of meals to the senior citizens. Providing aid of any form after a natural disaster is crucial and appreciated by many affected individuals, especially if senior citizens are involved.

Historic Hudson-Athens Lighthouse Needs Restoration

Hudson-Athens Lighthouse in New York State is in danger of collapsing due to the deterioration of wooden pilings beneath its base. The lighthouse dates back to the mid-19th century and was built in the middle of the Hudson River during the steamboat era. Brick buildings with apparent cracks is starting to shift due to the compromised pilings. The authority planned on restoring and obtaining grants for the lighthouse’s repair but has yet to receive assistance for the undertaking.

Relieving Sciatica Pain: A Guide to Better Management

Understanding Sciatica Pain and Its Causes

Sciatica pain is considered one of the most common ailments that affect many individuals. It is often characterized by an acute pain in the lower back that radiates to the leg and on the feet. Sciatica pain can be caused by a herniated disk, spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, and pregnancy, to name a few.

Symptoms and Risk Factors

Sciatica pain can vary from mild to severe, from an occasional ache to a constant debilitating pain. It can cause weakness, tingling, and numbness in the leg and foot. Factors that can increase the risk of sciatica pain include age, weight, occupation-related back pain, and diabetes. Individuals who suffer from sciatica pain are often advised to maintain a healthy weight and exercise regularly to strengthen back muscles and prevent additional strain.

Treatment Options

The first line of treatment for sciatica pain is typically conservative therapy. Conservative treatments might include over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications, hot or cold compresses, stretches, and posture modification. Stronger pain control options are often prescribed for permanent pain relief when conservative treatments are ineffective. Physical therapy, acupuncture, and nerve blocks are also common treatment options used for sciatica pain. If conservative treatments are ineffective, surgical procedures, including herniated disc surgery or spinal injections, might be suggested.

Conclusion

Sciatica pain can be debilitating and significantly affect one’s quality of life. It is crucial to seek immediate attention from medical professionals for effective treatment options. A balanced diet, regular exercise, and preventive measures, such as using proper body mechanics during physical activities, can aid in alleviating sciatica pain in most individuals. With effective treatment and preventive measures, one can minimize the risk of complications and regain their quality of life.

Originally Post From https://ktar.com/story/5580264/west-virginia-idaho-asking-supreme-court-to-review-rulings-allowing-transgender-athletes-to-compete/

West Virginia and Idaho Want Supreme Court to Review Rulings on Transgender Athletes