Prime Minister Scott Morrison has expressed his support for two “brave” female Liberal politicians speaking out against transgender women competing in nationally governed female sport.
However, it is unclear whether legislation will be introduced making it official.
The issue gained international media attention in December last year, after transgender New Zealand weightlifter Laurel Hubbard broke a world record at the IWF World Championships.
Mr Morrison was yesterday quoted endorsing Liberal Senator Claire Chandler’s “Save Women’s Sports” bill, which opposed trans women competing against female athletes.
The public support from Mr Morrison comes off the back of lobbyist group Save Women’s Sport co-founder Katherine Deves receiving Liberal backing as the Federal candidate for the Warringah, notable for her campaigning over firm definitions of biological gender in sport.
“Males and females are distinct biological categories, we are different and that begins in the womb not long after conception,” Ms Deves said.
“Humans cannot change sex; males have a distinct performance advantage due to their biological sex.”
If passed in parliament, the bill would provide clear guidelines for sporting organisations to exclude transgender women from competing against females, rather than making it a blanket rule.
When quizzed on whether the bill could potentially pass as legislation, the Prime Minister played a straight bat.
“I think I conveyed my own personal view on these matters.”
“I welcome Katherine’s selection (as Warringah Liberal candidate), [I’m] pleased to play a role in that.
“I think she’s raised some very important issues; I think Claire Chandler’s also been outspoken and brave on these issues.
“We will have more to say about that at another time, if I do, I will.”
Let us know on social media what you think.
Should transgender women be able to compete against biological females? And vice versa?
Do you think this bill will be passed?
