Transgender women should not be competing in female sporting events, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson told broadcasters on Wednesday. Johnson spoke as the United States appeared to be abandoning preparations to host a global summit to promote LGBT+ rights. Following a disagreement over transgender conversion treatment, charities and organizations have decided to boycott the event.
“I don’t think biological males should be competing in female sporting events. Maybe that’s a controversial thing to say, but it just seems to me to be sensible,” Johnson said. “I also happen to think that women should have spaces whether it’s in hospitals, prison, or changing rooms which are dedicated to women. That’s as far as my thinking has developed on this issue.”
He further stated, “If that puts me in conflict with some others, then we have got to work it all out. It doesn’t mean I’m not immensely sympathetic to people who want to change gender to transition. It’s vital we give people the maximum love and support in making those decisions.”
No disqualification based on gender
Boris Johnson’s transgender women remarks came just days after transgender cyclist Emily Bridges claims harassment by the media. The UCI is the sport’s governing body. It determined that she couldn’t race in the National Omnium Championships in the United Kingdom over the weekend. British Cycling had cleared Bridges to take part under their “Transgender and Non-Binary Participation policy“. Bridges was to compete against British Olympic luminaries. She claimed she learned of her ineligibility from British Cycling last week.
Bridges said in a statement, “In that time, I have provided both British Cycling and the UCI with medical evidence that I meet the eligibility criteria for transgender female cyclists including that my testosterone limit has been far below the limit prescribed by the regulations for the last 12 months.”
As sports try to strike a balance between diversity and ensuring that no one has an unfair edge, transgender rights have become a heated topic. According to the most recent International Olympic Committee (IOC) guidance, no athlete shall be disqualified from the competition. Especially, because of a perceived unfair advantage related to gender.
