BOISE, Idaho — A federal judge has ruled a lawsuit challenging Idaho’s ban on transgender women and girls competing in female sports cannot be voluntarily dismissed by the plaintiff, keeping the case active as the U.S. Supreme Court considers whether to hear it.

On Tuesday, U.S. District Judge David Nye sided with Idaho Attorney General Raúl Labrador, who argued plaintiff Lindsay Hecox’s attempt to withdraw the case violated a stay agreed to by both parties while the case is pending before the high court.

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In his ruling, Nye called Hecox’s dismissal attempt "somewhat manipulative" and said it "flaunts principles of equity and fairness."

"[Idaho] has a fair right to h

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