Missouri High School Athletic Association

Missouri lawmakers banned transgender student athletes from playing on sports teams that align with their gender identity, and restricted transgender minors from accessing gender-affirming health care like hormone treatments. But the current laws expire in August 2027.

Missouri banned transgender athletes from competing according to their gender identity, but student handbooks and board policies have yet to add the change. Before last year's law, there were only five transgender athletes statewide who were eligible to compete.

Neither the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education nor the Missouri State High School Activities Association could say how they will enforce the state's restrictions on transgender athletes — one of the most controversial new laws approved by Missouri legislators this year.

The stands at Blue Springs South High School were dotted with just a few fans Saturday for the Missouri high school basketball quarterfinals. There was no…