United Nations Headquarters – A recent United Nations report titled “Violence against Women and Girls in Sports” reveals that nearly 900 medals have been won by transgender-identifying male athletes in female sports categories globally, impacting more than 600 female athletes across 29 sports by March 2024.
The report, authored by U.N. Special Rapporteur Reem Alsalem, outlines how integrating male-bodied athletes into women’s sports has compromised fair competition, citing heightened risks of sexual harassment and physical injury. Alsalem criticized sports governing bodies, accusing them of inadequate measures to protect female athletes and compromising women’s access to safe competition.
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Prominent athletes and advocates, including Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) International, Olympic swimmer Sharron Davies, and U.S. collegiate athlete Lainey Armistead, voiced their support for policy changes at the U.N., urging protection of female athletes’ rights.
The report included alarming cases like that of Payton McNabb, a high school volleyball player in North Carolina, who suffered severe injuries after competing against a transgender-identifying male athlete. Alsalem highlighted the increased risks in combat sports, where male-bodied physical advantages could endanger lives.
Alsalem concluded that testosterone suppression alone does not eliminate male physical advantages, and she criticized the “culture of silence” in sports organizations prioritizing reputation over athlete safety. The findings have reignited debate over fairness in women’s sports, with calls for urgent policy reform.
Key Points:
- UN Report Findings: A United Nations report states that nearly 900 medals have been awarded to transgender-identifying male athletes in female sports categories worldwide, affecting over 600 female athletes in 29 sports.
- Impact on Fair Competition: The report, authored by U.N. Special Rapporteur Reem Alsalem, argues that the inclusion of male-bodied athletes in women’s sports undermines fair competition and exposes female athletes to increased risks.
- Advocacy for Policy Change: Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) International, along with athletes like Olympic swimmer Sharron Davies, called on the U.N. for reforms to ensure the safety and fairness of women’s sports.
- Case Highlighted: The report includes cases like Payton McNabb, a North Carolina volleyball player who sustained severe injuries after competing against a trans-identifying male athlete, stressing higher physical risks in contact sports.
- Criticism of Existing Policies: Alsalem emphasized that testosterone suppression is insufficient to eliminate male physical advantages, calling out sports organizations for prioritizing reputation over the safety of female athletes.
