In A Landslide For Trans Rights, The UK Has Banned Trans Women And Girls From Women's Football
The Association said the ban is not ideological but is a response to the legal ruling.
In a landslide for trans rights, the UK has banned trans women and girls from women's football.
The move comes after the UK Supreme Court ruled on April 16 that the legal definition of "woman" refers to "a biological woman" and does not include trans women.
On May 1, England’s Football Association announced it will ban trans women and girls over 13 from playing in amateur and professional women and girls’ football, starting June 1.
Scotland’s Football Association also announced a ban on trans women a day earlier.
Trans women were previously allowed to play in women's football under strict conditions, such as maintaining testosterone levels below a certain level for at least a year.
The Association said the ban is not ideological but is a response to the legal ruling, according to ITV News.
The ban, which will affect about 20 trans women playing in amateur level in the UK, has been condemned by LGBTQ activists and rights groups, and more than 100 clubs have issued statements opposing the ban, according to Sports Media LGBT.
Several UK sports like, cycling, rowing and rugby, had already restricted or banned trans women from competing in women's categories prior to the ruling.
Trans rights have become increasingly contentious in the UK in recent years, a movement largely due to the rise of TERFs, or trans exclusionary radical feminists who don't believe trans women are women.
The Association has told trans women affected that they can shift to coaching or become referees, adding that it will offer a "free, fully confidential online talking therapy", according to the BBC.
Cherry Mohamed
Sofia Hou
