Swim England excludes trans swimmers from female category

 (Photo: Getty/iStock)

Swim England has updated its policy on transgender athletes so that they will no longer compete against female swimmers.

From 1 September, the female category will be restricted to swimmers born female.

Swim England has created a new 'open' category for competitors who are biologically male, transgender or non-binary.

It is the first update to Swim England's policy since 2015.

Swimming's governing body said it was making the changes in the interests of fairness.

"Peer-reviewed examples confirm the general consensus that post-puberty transgender females retain a biological level of performance advantage post-transition," it said.

"Whilst Swim England's existing policy regarding the use of hormonal therapy was found to be effective at reducing performance advantage, it was insufficient to negate it completely and trans females therefore likely retain an advantage over their cisgender peers.

"As a result, Swim England believes that the restriction of certain competition to birth sex females to be justified and proportionate in the pursuit of fair competition."

Last month, the World Athletics Council (WAC) revised its policy to stop trans-identifying biologically male athletes from competing in the female category in international athletic events.

The policy came into effect at the end of March following a consultation with athletes.

WAC President, Lord Sebastian Coe, said that the majority of those who participated in the consultation were against transgender athletes competing in the female category.

"Many believe there is insufficient evidence that trans women do not retain advantage over biological women," he said.

"Where the science is insufficient to justify maintaining testosterone suppression for transgender athletes, the council agreed it must be guided by our overarching principle, which is to protect the female category."

News
Sudan authorities use bureaucracy to stop church rebuilding and worship
Sudan authorities use bureaucracy to stop church rebuilding and worship

Authorities in Sudan are obstructing efforts by a church to rebuild and even to use their place of worship

Ramadan ‘offers a unique opportunity’ to share the Gospel, says missiologist
Ramadan ‘offers a unique opportunity’ to share the Gospel, says missiologist

Dr Emil Saleem Shehadeh has some sage advice for how Christians can engage with their Muslim neighbours and colleagues during Ramadan.

David Tudor hit with another lifetime ministry ban
David Tudor hit with another lifetime ministry ban

Having already been banned, the latest sanction merely reinforces an earlier decision.

Armenia’s Christian civilization is under existential threat - the UK must not stand idly by
Armenia’s Christian civilization is under existential threat - the UK must not stand idly by

The constellation of powers that produced the eradication of the Armenian Christian presence in Nagorno Karabakh now have their sights on the Republic of Armenia itself.