Government pushes for transgender ban across elite women’s sport

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Critics say trans women have natural physical advantages such as strength and speed and that makes it unfair for them to compete against natural born women.

Female Olympians have warned that a generation of girls could miss out on medals because of “ludicrous” transgender policies.

The controversy about those who live as women and want to take part in female sporting competitions has grown over the last 12 months.

Michelle Donelan, the Culture Secretary, has called senior executives from major national sports governing bodies in for a meeting in Whitehall to discuss the issue.

She is expected to warn that elite and competitive women’s sport “must be reserved for people born of the female sex”.

A source said: “Many elite athletes will train and make sacrifices for years to have a fair opportunity at competing for honours, and Michelle wants to ensure they continue to have that.

“She understands that this is an emotionally charged and sensitive subject. But in a sporting context, this issue is underpinned by scientific evidence. She has a plan to tackle it – not only for athletes, but event organisers, fans, and the future integrity of domestic and international sport.”

National and international governing bodies have been carrying out research to establish the impact of athletes’ sex at birth and gender reassignment on sporting performance.

Last month, the International Olympic Committee published a position statement that made clear that fairness and scientific evidence should be taken into account by international federations when devising eligibility criteria for who can participate.

It also acknowledged that the male hormone testosterone “may be an important factor shaping performance in elite athletes in certain sports”.

Sports chiefs are also grappling with how to include trans women who wish to play in female categories and many are reviewing their existing policies.

British Triathalon has introduced a policy to ban transgender women from female competitions even if they have not gone through male puberty.

British Cycling suspended its current transgender policy last April, pending a full review. And England Volleyball made it clear that no transgender women can compete in a female event.

Sharron Davies, the swimmer who won silver for Britain at the 1980 Olympics, and Mara Yamauchi, Britain’s third fastest female marathon runner, have spoken out. Mara said: “We’ve got athletes that have gone through male puberty who are being shoe-horned into women’s sports.

“I’m campaigning for every sport to ban trans women from the female category. Women’s races are there for females. That’s why they have that category.”

According to the source, Ms Donelan will use the meeting to insist that governing bodies should develop policies to ensure transgender females do not compete in categories reserved for biological women.

Sporting bodies will be encouraged to reach a compassionate position, but one where “fairness and safety” take precedence at elite and competitive level. This could include “open” categories for transgender athletes.

Meanwhile, Sir Keir Starmer said he has “concerns” over Scotland’s gender recognition reforms, because he believes 16 is too young.

But he refused to say if he would overrule the new law if he was prime minister – as Rishi Sunak could decide to do this week.

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