The new transgender inclusion guidelines for sport in United Kingdom have been broadly welcomed by a number of sports organizations however they have also faced criticism from LGBT+ groups.
New guidance relies on the latest science that “makes it clear” that trans women retain significant physique, stamina and strength advantages over biological women even when they reduce testosterone levels.
The guidance urges sport organizations to find “fresh ways” to be inclusive.
UK Athletics and the Rugby Football League told Guardian they welcomed the new guidance:
“This is a very important topic for all sports and has implications for rugby league at all levels,” added Dave Rotheram, the RFL’s chief on-field officer.
“There are significant points made in the guiding principles about the importance of ensuring fairness and prioritising player safety, and also the difficulty and sensitivity of these issues. We are committed to making rugby league as inclusive as possible, while also remaining mindful of the importance of fairness to, and the safety of, all participants.”
Another organization that applauded the latest guideline was Women in Sport – a charity set up in early 80s:
“For those organising sport, difficult decisions lie ahead, but they must not avoid them, because they matter,” it said. “For a long time, the complexities of this issue and the implications for women’s sport seem not to have been properly considered. The evidence is increasingly suggesting that the approach of simply measuring testosterone levels in the blood is not taking into account the full breadth of biological differences between people who have gone through male versus female puberty.”
However in a surprising turn British Kickboxing Council doesn’t agree:
“It is NOT mandatory for NGBs,” it said in a statement. “Trans people have every right to participate in sport at ALL levels without discrimination and we will continue to follow our current policy, which maintains a fair and unbiased approach.”
Since 2014, Benny A. King has been fully immersed in the world of combat sports. Starting with a blog about Greco Roman wrestling, Benny’s passion for combat sports has led him to explore various disciplines.