A lawsuit brought forward by members of a sorority at the University of Wyoming has been dismissed by a judge. The sisters were attempting to remove a transgender woman, who they labeled as a “sexual predator,” from the organization.
The Court Won’t Define “Woman”
Judge Alan Johnson, in his ruling, said that the court would not attempt to define the term “woman” and therefore could not interfere with the sorority’s decision to admit the transgender student, Artemis, into their ranks. He explained that the private organization’s right to freedom of association should not be compromised.
A Case in the Public Eye
The case previously attracted attention due to the ongoing debates around transgender rights in educational institutions, sports, and wider society. The lawsuit, filed by six members of the sorority, sought to nullify Artemis’ membership and claim damages.
A Common Way to Dehumanize LGBTQ+ People
Rachel Berkness, Artemis’ lawyer, expressed approval of the court’s decision. Speaking to The Associated Press about the alleged predator-like behavior, she said: “The allegations should never have made it into a legal filing. They are nothing more than cruel rumors that mirror exactly the type of rumors used to vilify and dehumanize members of the LGBTQIA+ community for generations. They are baseless.”
A Sorority Against Discrimination
The sorority, Kappa Kappa Gamma, has a substantial membership across the United States and Canada and is committed to non-discrimination. Kari Kittrell Poole, the executive director of the sorority, had previously stated that the lawsuit contained false allegations and reiterated the organization’s stance against discrimination.
A “Biological Reality”
Cassie Craven, the attorney of the six sorority members who filed the lawsuit, said that they aimed to protect and recognize the “biological reality” of cisgender women. “[Cisgender] women have a biological reality that deserves to be protected and recognized and we will continue to fight for that right,” she said.
Gender Identity vs. Biological Sex
The case highlighted the complex and evolving discussions surrounding gender identity, privacy, and freedom of association within private organizations. Furthermore, the judge’s ruling emphasized the value of accepting transgender people in society and the importance of recognizing gender identity and biological sex as different aspects.
Sue Them for Slander
News of the ruling was shared across the internet and responses were divided. Individuals in right-wing spaces, for the most part, weren’t pleased. On the other hand, people in left-wing, LGBTQ+, and academic online communities largely supported the ruling. “I’d sue for slander and ruin their lives now that they tried to ruin yours. Legit bankrupt these [idiots],” one person wrote.
Repercussions Are Necessary
A fair few people shared the aforementioned commenter’s view. “Ha! I hope those bigoted sisters get sued for slander. So happy with the result of this,” one person said. “Great news for Artemis. She was so brave to try and join a sorority – in Wyoming too! I hope there are repercussions for the six girls,” another wrote.
Others Praised the Judge
A fair few commenters praised the judge for maintaining a clear head and basing the ruling on facts over emotions. One person wrote: “In these times, it’s good to know that there are judges who are loyal to their oath of service rather than party affiliation.”
The Classic, Bigoted, “LGBTQ+ Pervert” Idea
Some commenters, perpetuating the classic, bigoted “LGBTQ+ pervert” idea, were disappointed by the ruling. One such individual wrote: “I’m sorry but this just seems wrong. I’m all for supporting anyone on the journey to finding themselves but anyone can call themselves trans, slap on some make-up, and grow long hair – including socially awkward males who discover a loophole into an acceptable perverse fantasy roleplay that allows them to openly fantasize on a daily basis over someone’s daughter.”
Speculation About the Next Move
Others speculated about what the transphobic sisters might do next. One person said: “You know, those [sisters] aren’t going to stop there. If they can’t get a courtroom to promote their transphobic viewpoints, they most likely are going to go after those bylaws for the sorority. It saddens me to say this but Wyoming is not known for being friendly to the rainbow community.”
Don’t Ban All Trans Women
Some commenters pointed out that one transgender woman’s wrongdoing is no reason to ban all trans girls. One person said: “Great news. Even if she was a creep, that’s no reason to be transphobic and try to ban all trans women. It would be a reason to ban her, yeah. But not all trans women. I guess it was all lies though.”
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