Sports: Boris Johnson against transgender athletes in the women’s categories | Like me

The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Boris Johnson, said last Wednesday (6) that he is against the participation of transgender women in the women’s categories in sports competitions. According to the BBC, he delivered the speech while addressing various topics and actions by the British government.

“I don’t think biological men should compete in women’s sporting events. That might be a controversial thing to say, but it seems to make sense. I also think that women should have a space, whether in hospitals, prisons or locker rooms, devoted to women.” That’s the most I can think of on the subject,” says the Prime Minister.

The comments came before Johnson commented on moves to ban so-called treatments in the territory. However, the bill raises concerns that only gay remittances, with the exception of transgender people, will be banned.

“If that puts me in conflict with other people, we have to work on it. It doesn’t mean that I don’t sympathize with people who want to change their gender, who want to convert. And it’s essential that we give those people love and support as much as possible in these,” Johnson concludes. Great Decisions These issues are complex and cannot be resolved in quick and easy legislation It takes a lot to get this right.

The issue resurfaced in the UK after transgender cyclist Emily Bridges was found ineligible to compete in her first international competition. She started hormone therapy in 2021 and was allowed to participate in events by the British Cyclists’ Federation due to her low testosterone levels. However, the UCI did not allow the athlete to participate.

According to the UCI, transgender athletes must participate in “protecting health and safety” and “ensuring fair competition that displays and rewards the fundamental values ​​of the sport.” The opinion of the female athletes was divided: there was support for Bridges, but a group of researchers, scientists and retired Olympians asked the UCI that the criteria for selecting athletes be made “based on biologically female characteristics.”

What also prevented Bridges from participating is the lack of a uniform rule for the participation of transgender women. Although the International Olympic Committee (IOC) does deny that there are no benefits for transgender athletes in sports, it is only recommended that each Olympic sport establish its own rules, which may include different levels of testosterone or the lack of participation of transgender athletes.

Currently, the standard is that transgender athletes can compete after a year of treatment to suppress testosterone production. According to the International Olympic Committee, it is essential that, during the 12 months preceding the start of competition and throughout the time the athlete continues to compete, the level of testosterone does not exceed 10 nmol/L.