Stonewall responds to the decision of some sporting bodies to ban trans women from women’s sport

Responding to the decision of various sporting bodies to ban trans women from women’s sport, a Stonewall spokesperson said: 

"The recent decisions of sporting bodies to ban trans women from women’s sport has been made too soon, before the implications of the Supreme Court’s ruling has been worked through by lawyers and politicians or before statutory guidance has been issued. It is incredibly disappointing as several of them have been long term and vocal supporters of our Rainbow Laces campaign, advocating for inclusion in sport for all ages and at all levels.

"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 sport will be deeply distressed that they are no longer able to take part at any level. 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."