January 23, 2026
Local
Local
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 23 — Two foreign nationals have become the first individuals in Malaysia to be charged in court for littering under the newly enforced anti-littering law, according to a report by The Star.
WASHINGTON, Feb 7 — US President Donald Trump’s executive order to ban transgender girls and women from competing in female sports teams aligns with similar laws passed in over 20 Republican-led states. Proponents argue these measures safeguard fairness, while opponents say they discriminate against transgender athletes who may not have a biological advantage.
Trump’s order interprets Title IX, which bars sex-based discrimination in education, to exclude transgender girls from girls’ teams. It also threatens to cut federal funding from schools that fail to comply, setting the stage for legal battles mirroring those against state bans.
So far, several courts have blocked or partially halted these laws, citing potential violations of constitutional rights and Title IX. Many rulings point to a 2020 Supreme Court decision that found discrimination against transgender people is inherently sex discrimination. Although that case involved employment law (Title VII), courts often apply similar reasoning to Title IX cases.
Under former President Joe Biden, a proposed rule would have prevented broad bans on transgender athletes but allowed limited restrictions for safety or fairness. However, the rule was later dropped amid ongoing legal challenges. Ultimately, the Supreme Court will likely decide the fate of these policies. — Reuters
Under Donald Trump’s interpretation of Title IX, transgender girls are barred from competing in girls’ sports, AFP reports.
