Stonewall responds to the FA and Scottish FA’s decision to ban trans women from women’s football

Responding to the FA and Scottish FA’s decision to ban trans women from women’s football, a Stonewall spokesperson said: 

"The FA and Scottish FA’s decision to ban trans women from women’s football has been made too soon, before the implications of the Supreme Court’s ruling has been worked through by lawyers and politicians or become law. It is incredibly disappointing, especially as the FA has been a long term and vocal supporter of our Rainbow Laces campaign advocating for inclusion in sport for all ages and at all levels of the game.

"This is widely acknowledged to be an incredibly complicated ruling and its wide-ranging impact is still being worked through by the legal fraternity. All organisations should be waiting to see how and in what way statutory guidance is changed, before making any changes to their policies.

"Trans women young and old who love football will be deeply distressed that they are no longer able to take part in games, at all levels. Trans people remain protected under the law and need to be treated with dignity and respect - and this announcement lacks any detail on how those obligations will be honoured. Hasty decisions, without a full understanding of the practical implications and before any changes to guidance have gone through the necessary consultation and parliamentary process, isn’t the answer."