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Just days after his conversion therapy U-turn, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has now said that he does not think transgender women should compete in female sports.
Johnson’s comments were made during a visit to a hospital in Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, on Wednesday the 6th of April, where he spoke on several issues, including his government’s controversial decision not to include transgender people in the ban on conversion therapy, which is also reported not to be proceeding.
“I don’t think that biological males should be competing in female sporting events. And maybe that’s a controversial thing … but it just seems to me to be sensible,” Johnson said.
“And I also happen to think that women should have spaces, whether it’s in hospitals or prisons or changing rooms or wherever, which are dedicated to women. That’s as far as my thinking has developed on this issue. If that puts me in conflict with some others, then we have got to work it all out,” Johnson added, according to PA media.
“That doesn’t mean that I’m not immensely sympathetic to people who want to change gender, to transition. It’s vital that we give people the maximum possible love and support in making those decisions.”
“But these are complex issues, and I don’t think they can be solved with one swift, easy piece of legislation. It takes a lot of thought to get this right,” he concluded.
Johnsons’s comments have been widely criticised, with Richard Hearne, the founder of inclusive cycling group Pride Out, describing them as “divisive” and “off-the-cuff.”
Speaking with Pink News, Hearne questioned Johnson’s knowledge on the matter.
“Despite thorough scientific evidence concerning trans participation in sport by experts over many years, it appears that some people simply don’t want to entertain the idea of trans people being able to participate in sport.
“I think it’s a very sad situation, especially when trans people are already badly underrepresented in sport.”
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