US President Donald Trump signed an executive order barring transgender women and girls from competing in female sports, citing the need to protect fairness in athletics. The directives ordered the Department of Justice to make sure federal agencies implement the ban under Trump’s interpretation of Title IX, which restricts sex-based discrimination in education. Supporters of the decision believe that the initiative will restore integrity in women’s sports, whereas critics think it targets a marginalised group and curtails their rights.
”The war on women’s sport is ended ”, Trump stated while signing the executive order surrounded by 100 women girls wearing sports jerseys. ”My administration will not stand by and watch men beat female athletes,” the US President added.
The order also threatens to reduce federal funding for schools that allow transgender athletes to compete in female-category sports. While the National Collegiate Association (NCAA) has welcomed a unified national policy, its current norms require transgender athletes to meet testosterone limits on a sports basis. The NCAA Board of Governors is currently reevaluating the directives to follow.
Trump’s orders extend beyond sports at the school and college level. Further restrictions include a visa ban on transgender female athletes who seek to participate in the US and has urged the International Olympic Committee to review its policies on transgender participation. The administration has pledged to execute these restrictions at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
The order has been hailed by conservative groups and Republican lawmakers, calling it a triumph for women’s sports. However, legal experts and advocacy groups argue that a small group represents transgender athletes and they are not a threat to the objectivity of the game. Trump’s directives are expected to face legal challenges as Federal courts have previously ruled out bans in similar cases. The order has been criticised by the LGBTQ, advocacy group and Amnesty International.
(With inputs from Reuters)