The Supreme Court seems likely to uphold state laws barring transgender girls and women from playing on school athletic teams. Lower courts ruled for the transgender athletes in Idaho and West Virginia who challenged the state bans. But the conservative-dominated Supreme Court gave no indication after more than three hours of arguments Tuesday that it would follow suit. Instead, at least five of the six conservatives on the nine-member court indicated they'll rule the laws don’t violate either the Constitution or the landmark Title IX law. Title IX prohibits discrimination in education and has produced dramatic growth in girls and women’s sports.

Becky Pepper-Jackson is a 15-year-old in West Virginia who knows the upcoming sports season could be her last. West Virginia has banned transgender girls like the discus-throwing sophomore from competing in girls and women’s sports. The state is among more than two dozen with similar laws. Lower courts have blocked the West Virginia law, but the outcome could be different at the conservative-dominated Supreme Court. The justices have allowed multiple restrictions on transgender people to be enforced in the past year. The justices are hearing arguments Tuesday. President Donald Trump’s Republican administration has targeted transgender Americans.