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Hawaii's Rep. Tokuda faces backlash over transgender athletes in women's sports

A divisive issue puts Hawaii's congresswoman at odds with voters. The Supreme Court's looming decision could redefine fairness in women's sports forever.

The image shows a poster with the text "Restrooms are Gender Neutral" written on it, emphasizing...
The image shows a poster with the text "Restrooms are Gender Neutral" written on it, emphasizing the importance of gender in the restroom.

Hawaii's Rep. Tokuda faces backlash over transgender athletes in women's sports

Hawaii's U.S. Representative Jill Tokuda is facing criticism from some voters over her support for transgender athletes in women's sports. The issue has gained national attention as state laws and court rulings shape participation rules across the country.

In January 2026, the U.S. Supreme Court reviewed challenges to laws in Idaho and West Virginia that ban transgender women from competing in female sports. The conservative-leaning court signalled it would likely uphold these restrictions. Since then, around half of all U.S. states have introduced similar prohibitions.

Tokuda has publicly backed transgender athletes' right to compete in women's categories. Her stance contrasts with the growing number of state-level bans. While the Supreme Court's decision could set a nationwide precedent, Hawaii's specific policies on the matter remain unclear.

The debate over transgender participation in women's sports continues to divide opinion. Tokuda's position has drawn both support and opposition from her constituents. The Supreme Court's eventual ruling may further influence how states, including Hawaii, address the issue.

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