Fighting for Justice in the Courts
2024 has been a landmark year for Gender Justice in the courts, with your support making possible historic wins and significant progress in some of our biggest cases.
We’ve successfully blocked Minnesota abortion restrictions, won a first-of-its kind decision recognizing that refusing to fill emergency contraception prescriptions is sex discrimination, and made promising strides towards justice for transgender athletes. Here is a recap of what we have accomplished in the courts this year:
Doe v. Minnesota: Historic Legal Victory in Minnesota Abortion Access Case
Co-counsel: The Lawyering Project
In May, the Minnesota Supreme Court delivered a victory for abortion rights by ending an anti-abortion group’s attempt to intervene in the landmark Doe v. Minnesota case. This order from the Minnesota Supreme Court concludes the five year long legal challenge, ensuring the restrictions struck down by a district court in July 2022 will remain permanently blocked.
Anderson v. Thrifty White: Massive Win for Contraception Access
Co-counsel: Lockridge Grindal Nauen PLLP
In a historic ruling, the Minnesota Court of Appeals determined that a pharmacist’s refusal to fill a woman’s prescription for emergency contraception based on his personal beliefs constitutes illegal sex discrimination under the Minnesota Human Rights Act. This decision is the first of its kind in the nation.
Red River Women’s Clinic v. North Dakota: Protecting Abortion Access
Co-counsel: Center for Reproductive Rights and Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP
In September, we secured a major victory when a state court ruled the state’s extreme abortion ban was unconstitutional, restoring abortion access across the state. This ruling is critical for ensuring lifesaving care is available to North Dakotans, but the fight is far from over. The state Attorney General announced that the state will appeal the decision, and we’re ready to defend the victory in court.
Cooper v. USA Powerlifting: Progress Toward Justice for Transgender Athletes
Co-counsel: Nichols Kaster and Premo Frank
Following a Minnesota Court of Appeals ruling overturning our win at the District Court, the Minnesota Supreme Court announced it will hear the case of a transgender woman denied entry into USA Powerlifting competitions—a landmark case with sweeping implications for the rights of transgender athletes under Minnesota law. We are confident that the Minnesota Supreme Court will uphold the rights of transgender athletes across Minnesota.
Ali v. Sun Country Airlines: Settlement Reached for Nursing Employee
Co-counsel: Lockridge Grindal Nauen PLLP
A settlement was reached in the lawsuit known as Ali v. Sun Country Airlines, in which the plaintiff Hani Ali, a nursing mother and former employee, alleged that her employer failed to provide her with appropriate space to pump and store milk, and subjected her to discriminatory treatment that forced her out of work. The Parties have resolved the case in a manner that is satisfactory to both parties. The Parties are proud to say that Sun Country has committed to implement nursing mother accommodations beyond those required under federal and state law, including a new lactation space.
Advancing Equity for Girls’ Sports in Minneapolis Public Schools
Gender Justice filed a Title IX complaint with the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) in 2022 alleging sex discrimination against female student athletes in Minneapolis Public Schools on behalf of a high school sports coach client. OCR conducted a thorough investigation into the District’s female athletics programs, and revealed numerous disparities. In August, Minneapolis Public Schools and OCR reached a resolution agreement that requires increased and adequate investment in athletics programs for female students District-wide and proper compliance with Title IX requirements in each high school’s athletics programs.