UK Athletics is facing pressure to create an ‘open’ category for transgender women to compete alongside men. However, the organization claims that they are unable to do so due to legal reasons. The Gender Recognition Act of 2004 stipulates that individuals with gender recognition certificates must be treated as female for all purposes. This has resulted in UK Athletics being hesitant to act, despite scientific studies showing that male advantage is retained despite extended courses of testosterone suppression.
Furthermore, the Rugby Football Union and British Triathlon have taken steps to prevent trans athletes from playing alongside women. This creates a need for the government to amend laws to provide clarity on the matter. While recognising the inherent unfairness of established laws for biological females, both UK Athletics and World Athletics remain hesitant to act on changing regulations.
President of World Athletics, Sebastian Coe, stated that “biology trumps gender.” However, the global body’s preferred option would be a fudge, with trans athletes still allowed to compete as long as they reduce their testosterone below 2.5 nanomoles per litre over a two-year period. Nonetheless, this level remains well above the normal female range and does not account for the literature indicating that the cardiovascular benefits of male puberty are retained irrespective of suppressants.
UK Athletics Chairman, Ian Beattie, stated that it would be challenging for the organization to contravene legal legislation. Correspondence with senior ministers has occurred, and the government is the only entity who can change legislation. Despite UK Athletics recognizing the unfairness towards biological females, they have yet to act on this belief due to legal reasons.
Fiona McAnena, director of sport for Fair Play for Women, acknowledges that UK Athletics agrees that the female category in sport should only be for those born female. She notes that the male advantage gained at puberty cannot be undone. Although UKA is not acting on its belief for legal reasons, other sports have made moves towards fairness for female athletes. A strong leadership role is necessary to ensure sports know they can make sport fair for women and girls.
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