Becky Pepper Jackson, a trans athlete in West Virginia (ACLU)
West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey filed an amicus brief this week in support of the plaintiffs and praised the judge's decision.
"These girls didn’t disrupt anything when they protested. They should be commended, not punished," Morrisey said in a statement to Fox News Digital. "We need to teach them that it is noble to stand firm in their beliefs and address their grievances within the protections guaranteed by our Constitution.
"They need not be silent," he added. "They have won by having their voices heard. So glad we were able to weigh in on behalf of these courageous young girls and that they are able to play."
Last week, the middle school girls were barred from competing in a shot put track and field event after protesting a court's ruling to block enforcement of the state's "Save Women's Sports Act," according to the West Virginia Attorney General's office.
The state law prohibited transgender girls from competing against biological girls in sports. But, in a 2-1 ruling, the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals found the law violated Title IX, siding with the American Civil Liberties Union, its West Virginia chapter and Lambda Legal.
COLORADO COULD BECOME THE FIRST STATE TO BUILD SEPARATE PRISON UNITS FOR TRANSGENDER FELONS
Middle school students protest against trans athlete in shot put event. (Luiz C. Ribeiro for NY Daily News via Getty Images)
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West Virginia is one of 24 states that has laws barring biological males from competing in girls' sports.
Fox News Digital's Ryan Morik contributed to this report.
Jamie Joseph is a writer who covers politics. She leads Fox News Digital coverage of the Senate.
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https://www.foxnews.com/politics/new-ruling-reveals-fate-middle-school-girls-banned-protesting-trans-competitor