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Today, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton that states may enact laws requiring pornographic websites to use effective age verification to protect children from harmful and inappropriate content.This is a historic win for protecting children across our nation. True North Legal submitted an amicus brief alongside allies at Kansas Family Foundation in this crucial case. The brief explains that due to the rise of the internet pornography is now more accessible than ever before. It argues that the Court should uphold laws that allow states to protect its youngest citizens from vile online pornographic images, citing studies and examples that have proven pornography’s harmful impact on young minds. 

“Laws like this have passed with bipartisan support in every state in which they have become law and been signed by both Republican and Democratic governors,” stated Renee Carlson, General Counsel of True North Legal. “Legislators have a civic duty to protect the citizens of the state, of all ages, from harm. As we explained in our brief in this case, the pornography industry is indeed harmful to children and adolescents. Following this monumental decision, the path forward is crystal clear for Minnesota legislators: they must pass legislation joining other Midwestern states like Kansas and Indiana, investing in these critical steps toward making the internet a safe space for our children.

We cannot allow the victimization of innocent children as a result of unfettered access to online pornography every single day. This ruling is one step in the right direction, ensuring legislators the deference needed to enact these kinds of important policies that safeguard children and adolescents.” 

You can read more here about True North Legal’s work on this significant case in an op-ed written by Renee K. Carlson and Brittany M. Jones. 

In a significant decision today, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of parents in Mahmoud v. Taylor, affirming their right to opt their children out of public school instruction that conflicts with their religious beliefs. This case centered on a Maryland school district’s refusal to allow parents to exempt their children from lessons featuring LGBTQ+ themes, despite parents’ sincere religious objections.

At True North Legal (TNL), we celebrate this ruling as a significant victory for religious freedom and parental rights. The Court’s decision reinforces the principle that public education must respect the religious convictions of American families.

“This ruling is a resounding affirmation of one of the core legal foundations of this country—parents, not the government have the right to direct their children’s moral and religious upbringing. That right is not abolished when children go to school. The Court even referenced out own Minnesota law as one that strikes the sensitive balance between the school’s decisions about curriculum and parental rights.” said Renee Carlson, General Counsel of True North Legal. “This case sends a clear message that public schools must accommodate the deeply held religious beliefs of families.”

This case has striking similarities to an earlier case where True North Legal protected the freedoms of Minnesotans. In 2024, TNL represented six Somali-American families in St. Louis Park who sought to opt their elementary-aged children out of LGBTQ-themed instruction. Initially denied, these families’ requests were eventually honored after TNL’s advocacy, where our legal work reinforced the precedent that Minnesota school districts must provide religious accommodations.

“The Mahmoud decision bolsters our efforts in Minnesota, where True North Legal has successfully defended parental and religious rights in the educational context,” added Doug Wardlow, TNL’s Director of Litigation. “It makes clear that the government cannot force parents to abandon their religious beliefs and hand over their children for indoctrination as a condition of receiving a free, public education.”

True North Legal remains committed to defending the constitutional rights of families to raise their children in accordance with their faith. The Supreme Court’s decision is a pivotal step toward ensuring that public education honors parents’ rights to direct the religious upbringing of their children. 

Today, SCOTUS issued an important decision in Medina v. Planned Parenthood South Atlantic, a case about whether states may disqualify abortion providers from receiving Medicaid funds. South Carolina opposed funding abortion providers including Planned Parenthood, and South Carolina won. Specifically, the Supreme Court held that individuals cannot sue in federal court to contest a state’s decision to disqualify a provider from receiving state Medicaid funds.  

Doug Wardlow, True North Legal’s Director of Litigation stated, “This ruling is a historic win for states, protecting their right to direct Medicaid funding to those who provide real healthcare and not the abortion industry. The Court’s decision also vindicates the rule of law and the separation of powers, helping to ensure that state lawmakers and not federal judges decide important questions about state healthcare policy.”

Last session, True North Legal provided legislative counsel to committees and members regarding laws mandating abortion in private insurance plans in Minnesota which, as True North Legal General Counsel Renee Carlson testified, is a “gross infringement” on religious freedom.

Stay up to date with True North Legal’s crucial work at mfc.org/subscribe.

By Renee K. Carlson and Doug Wardlow

Today the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of protecting Tennessee’s vulnerable children from the irreversible damage of experimental medicine and harmful medical procedures, often referred to as pediatric medical transition or so-called “gender affirming care.” In this landmark decision, United States of America v. Skrmetti, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld Tennessee’s law 6-3, which prohibits healthcare providers from administering hormones and puberty blockers for minors, or performing experimental medical procedures on children for so-called “gender affirming care.” 

The Court reasoned that Tennessee’s law does not violate equal protection under the law, and was not subject to heightened scrutiny (the Court’s most stringent standard of review when analyzing constitutional claims based on certain classifications), such as sex-based discrimination. While the plaintiffs challenging the law argued that Tennessee’s law discriminates based on sex, the Court analyzed the law under the rational basis standard. The Court reasoned that the law is a medical treatment and applies to all minors in the state, and is not sex-based discrimination when it comes enacting legal safeguards regarding the use of puberty blockers, hormones, and pediatric medical transition surgeries for minors struggling with gender dysphoria. 

Thus, it is in the state’s purview to create regulations ensuring the health and safety of its most vulnerable population: children. In rebutting the Plaintiffs’ argument that Tennessee’s law “operates to force conformity with sex,” the Court affirmed the state’s foundational reasoning for the law in the first place, stating: “it was not improper to conclude that kids benefit from additional time to ‘appreciate their sex’ before embarking on body-altering paths…Nor is it improper for the state to protect minors from procedures that ‘encourage them to become disdainful of their sex.’” Put simply, “[a] concern about potentially irreversible medical procedures for a child is not a form of stereotyping.”

Even though the Court did not decide whether transgender status is a protected class under the Equal Protection Clause, the ruling has important, positive implications for cases in other contexts, including Title IX, and it signals that the Court’s earlier, problematic holdings in Bostock and Harris Funeral Homes may have limited reach.

True North Legal and Minnesota Family Council have been leading the charge to protect children in Minnesota from the gender industry here in Minnesota. In 2023, Renee Carlson, General Counsel for True North Legal, provided legal testimony on legislation which gives Minnesota courts temporary emergency jurisdiction over children, removing them from their parents’ home if those parents do not affirm a child’s gender identity. True North Legal encouraged Minnesota lawmakers to protect children’s well-being and parental rights warning that laws like Minnesota’s prohibit responsible adults from caring for their child in violation of parental rights, while steering the child down a “dangerous path to self-destruction.” 

Despite the testimony of True North Legal and others, this dangerous and consequential bill is now law in Minnesota. Since Tennessee’s law was enacted other states and even countries across the globe have pulled back from steering kids into harmful gender ideology. To be clear, we have the utmost compassion for children and families faced with the struggles of gender distress and gender dysphoria. That is why this decision is crucial. Law is catching up with reality–many children struggling with gender distress should not be funneled into a one-size-fits-all “gender affirming approach” which subjects them to life-long consequences like sterility and adverse psychological consequences. These devastating consequences cannot even be fully remedied by the long and painful road of detransitioning. Especially when a growing body of evidence has shown that gender dysphoria in adolescents often resolves with time or other much less invasive and dangerous approaches. With this decision, United States of America v. Skrmetti, Minnesota has the opportunity to ensure that Minnesota children receive those same protections.

Support True North Legal’s important work protecting children from the gender industry. 

Saint Paul, Minnesota — May 28, 2025 — True North Legal is pleased to announce that experienced constitutional litigator Doug Wardlow has joined the team as Director of Litigation.

“This is an exciting step forward for our legal work,” said Renee Carlson, General Counsel for True North Legal. “Doug is an accomplished litigator in private practice and public interest work, a constitutional expert, and a dedicated advocate for life, family, and religious freedom. He brings a deep understanding of Minnesota law, culture, and politics that will strengthen our efforts in the courts.”

Wardlow previously served as Legal Counsel for Alliance Defending Freedom, arguing constitutional cases across the country. He is well known for his advocacy on behalf of parental rights, the unborn, and religious freedom. Doug was also the 2018 Republican nominee for Minnesota Attorney General and served in the Minnesota House of Representatives.

“I’m honored to join True North Legal at this critical time,” said Doug Wardlow. “We are facing legal and cultural challenges that demand courage, clarity, and commitment to principle. I look forward to advancing the cause of truth and justice in Minnesota’s courts.”

Wardlow’s arrival coincides with True North Legal’s significant legal battle in partnership with Alliance Defending Freedom in a major case defending fairness in girls’ sports. The case challenges the inclusion of biological males in female athletic competitions, with national implications for the future of Title IX and the rights of women and girls.

“This is a defining moment for our state,” said Carlson. “With Doug’s help, we will be even more vigilant, ready to protect the rights of Minnesotans in the courts and in the public square.” 

Wardlow is a native Minnesotan and devoted family man, dedicated to making an impact here in the North Star state.

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About True North Legal


True North Legal is a public interest legal organization dedicated to defending life, family, and religious freedom in Minnesota. It is an initiative of the Minnesota Family Institute.

This week, True North Legal announced a partnership with our legal allies at Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) in a critical new case: Female Athletes United v. Minnesota, filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota.

This lawsuit challenges a Minnesota policy that allows male athletes to compete in girls’ high school sports—a policy that has harmed young women and violated the equal opportunity protections guaranteed by Title IX.

Our own Renee K. Carlson, General Counsel of True North Legal, is serving as co-counsel in the case. She offered this powerful statement:

“For more than a decade I have been fighting on the frontlines for female athletes when the MSHSL first adopted its discriminatory policy erasing girls from girls’ sports and have worked tirelessly to overturn it since. Defending against aggressive attempts to push women and girls out of their own sports is always the right thing to do, not just because it’s a good policy or lawful.

At the heart of this issue is something deeper than sports. We’re in a cultural battle over truth—about the real, physiological differences between men and women. Those differences matter because they’re what make girls’ sports worth protecting.”

The Lawsuit

Filed by Alliance Defending Freedom attorneys and True North Legal on behalf of Female Athletes United (FAU), the case outlines how Minnesota’s current sports policy has harmed real high school girls in softball competitions—athletes who now face the prospect of being displaced and even injured by male athletes in direct competition.

“Minnesota is failing its female athletes,” said ADF Legal Counsel Suzanne Beecher. “The state is putting the rights of males ahead of females, telling girls their hard work may never be enough to win and that they don’t deserve fairness and safety.”

The complaint highlights the experience of three FAU members currently competing in high-school softball in Minnesota. 

One, a junior, has competed in varsity softball for two years against a male athlete and has lost in games during the regular season and sectionals, which meant that her team didn’t have a chance to advance to the state tournament. Her team competed against and lost to this male athlete in a regular season game this year. In that game, the FAU member’s team didn’t score at all; the male athlete pitched seven strikeouts. Her team is likely to compete against this mixed-sex team again in a sectional competition this season, and again next year.

Another athlete, also a junior, is a star pitcher who has already committed to play collegiate softball. This member was on the male athlete’s club team until she found out that she would have to compete against the athlete for pitching time. She then decided to quit the club team. She will likely have to compete against the male athlete at the state softball tournament this season.

The third FAU member is a sophomore who was hit by a pitch thrown by this male athlete during club softball. The speed and strength of the pitch made the pain more intense than she has felt at other times getting hit by a pitch thrown by a girl. She also anticipates she’ll have to compete against this male athlete at the state softball tournament this year.

Minnesota currently places no physical limitations on male participation in female sports, despite well-documented physiological advantages—an omission the suit argues is a direct violation of Title IX.

What’s Next

True North Legal and ADF are committed to protecting fairness, safety, and opportunity for Minnesota girls. At its core, this case is about more than sports; it’s about making sure the law defends what’s right.

We will keep you updated as the case moves forward. Donate now to support our mission at truenorthlegal.org/donate.

NEWS COVERAGE OF THE CASE

KSTP

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Alpha News

The Supreme Court of the United States will hear oral arguments in Chiles v. Salazar in fall 2025. This case is about a challenge to a Colorado law, much like the Minnesota law that prohibits any client under the age of 18 from having conversations with their counselor that could help them overcome their struggles with gender dysphoria or same-sex attraction, but allows counselors to push children into accepting their gender dysphoria, leading them down a path of experimental medicine like cross sex hormones and puberty blockers, as well as life altering and sometimes permanent medical complications. 

True North Legal is representing Christian Counselors and individuals in an amicus brief at the U.S. Supreme Court, in support of Kaley Chiles, a brave Christian counselor who is taking a bold stand against Colorado’s unconstitutional law at the U.S. Supreme Court in her case Chiles v. Salazar. This case could have sweeping impacts for counselors and clients across the country, including Minnesotans. If you are a Christian counselor who is concerned about these censorship laws and would like to take a stand for truth with other Minnesota Christian counselors please contact Christian Counselors for Freedom Alliance (CCFA) at ccfaminnesota@gmail.com or reach out to info@truenorthlegal.org. 

“A decade ago, Representative Scott and I fought against the Minnesota State High School League’s outrageous policy erasing girls from girls’ sports.

Together, alongside other legislators and mothers of female athletes across the state, we promised to fight for our daughters. We’ve been fighting ever since. And now, courageous young girls from across the state are joining the fight.

HF 12 is more than a bill. It is the assurance of justice for Minnesota girls. It makes clear that Minnesota laws intended to protect our girls cannot be used against them!

We stand with the 79% of Americans who do not approve of males hijacking opportunities that belong to our girls, making a mockery of their athletic achievements, while compromising their emotional well-being and physical safety.

Advocating for female athletes against aggressive attempts to push them out of their own sports is always the right thing to do. At the heart of this issue is something much deeper than sports. We are fighting a cultural battle regarding the truth about God’s good design for men and women. And we’re fighting on the winning side.”

– Renee Carlson, General Counsel of True North Legal

Dear Editor,

Rochelle Olson’s column, “Republicans choose to squander their leadership by attacking trans girls” (March 4, 2025), is almost artistic in the way it dances around the truth. For example, Olson perpetuates the myth spread by progressive lawmakers that the Preserve Girls’ Sports Act would lead to invasive physical examinations to determine someone’s birth sex. The bill says or implies nothing of the kind.

Olson continues to wrongly state that a January poll in the New York Times, which found that 79% of Americans believe in preserving girls’-only teams was limited to collegiate athletics, when in fact there was no such qualifier. 

As the legislative testimony of four doctors, including a physician at the USA Olympic Training Center made clear, it is unfair to ask girls playing on female teams to make room for male athletes who identify as transgender. Female athletes understand this, and are standing up to fight it.

Olson agrees that it would be unfair if male athletes were snapping up medals and records in girls’ sports, but denies that this is happening. It is happening. To take just one example, Olson’s assertion would certainly be news to the female athletes in Washington state who saw all three podium spots in a women’s cycling competition taken by transgender competitors last year. How many more examples does Olson need before this narrative falls apart?

Sincerely,

Renee Carlson, General Counsel | True North Legal

Moses Bratrud, Director of Communications | Minnesota Family Council

President Trump’s Executive Order protecting female athletes makes clear that the hard-fought gains of women and girls in athletics can no longer be denied! While this is a significant victory for women and girls across the country, the battle here in Minnesota is far from over.

Just yesterday the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) doubled down on their commitment in allowing males to hijack our daughter’s podiums, rosters, and spots on a team, as well as their physical safety.

Alongside legislators and other allies, I’ve worked to protect women and girls in sports since 2014, even testifying in strong opposition at the MSHSL hearing that ushered in their discriminatory policy. As an attorney and a mother, I’m in this for the long game.

That’s why True North Legal will continue fighting to protect women and girls in sports through grassroots engagement, public policy, and the courts. Trampling on one girl’s rights is one too many.