Sport – The guidance says that sex-based rules for sport must be applied strictly on the basis of biological sex. “Trans people should not be included in single-sex or separate sex competitions for the sex with which they identify,” the guidance says. The code specifically talks about physical strength, stamina and physique creating advantages. Where this is the case, the code says that organisers can exclude or differentiate trans competitors for reasons of safety or fair competition. In one example, a boxing gym declines a trans man’s entry into a women’s event because testosterone “had the effect of increasing his muscle mass and strength”. The code says that such an exclusion is “likely to be lawful” if there is evidence of “a genuine health and safety risk and/or impact on fair competition”. Another example details how an athletics club chooses to organise competitive running events for women and trans women. A woman who participates could bring a claim for indirect sex discrimination “due to the provider’s decision to include trans women placing her at a particular disadvantage”. But organisers are told they should also avoid indirect discrimination by considering alternatives such as a mixed-sex category or modified team rules, and should consider whether an activity is primarily competitive or has a social and recreational purpose. – The Times leaked EHRC guidance
This is the text I was supplied relevant to sport, by The Times, who wrote about the leaked guidance from the EHRC after the Supreme Court ruling in April of 2025. The Equalities Minister Bridget Phillipsons has had this sitting on her desk for three months so far. We can see that the guidance says clearing that sport should be competed in on the basis of biological sex. And to not do so is in-direct sex discrimination, as there are physical advantages to being male. Putting females at an unfair disadvantage in sport in their own category if you allow males in. It can’t be any clearer. – Sharron Davies
