Importance Score: 75 / 100 🔴
LONDON — England will prohibit transgender women from competing on female soccer teams, effective June 1, following a U.K. Supreme Court decision last month. The announcement from the sport’s governing body came Thursday.
England and Scotland Implement New Regulations for Female Soccer Teams
Football Association Amends Policies Based on Legal Ruling
The Football Association (FA) declared that it will revise its regulations, which previously permitted transgender athletes to play on women’s soccer teams if they had lowered their testosterone levels. The Scottish Football Association (SFA) instituted a comparable policy the preceding week.
Supreme Court Defines Woman for Anti-Discrimination Purposes
The U.K.’s highest court delivered a judgment two weeks ago that specified a woman, for anti-discrimination intentions, as an individual biologically born female. Following the ruling, the head of the Equality and Human Rights Commission announced that transgender women would be barred from women’s restrooms, hospital wards, and sports leagues.
Response from Feminist and Trans-Rights Groups
- Some feminist organizations applauded the ruling, but trans-rights advocates denounced it.
- Trans-rights groups argued that the decision would have extensive negative repercussions on everyday life.
FA Prioritizes Legal, Scientific, and Operational Adjustments
The FA noted that its previous policy aimed to make the sport more accessible to as many individuals as feasible. However, the organization stated it would make necessary changes in response to alterations in law, scientific findings, or modifications in grassroots soccer.
FA Addresses Impact on Transgender Players
The FA acknowledged that the policy change could be challenging for individuals who wish to play the game they love in their identified gender. The FA is reaching out it to registered transgender women currently playing to explain the alterations and provide information on staying involved in the sport.
Number of Affected Players Unclear
It remains uncertain how many players will be influenced by the impending policy.