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USA Fencing has made changes to its gender eligibility policy following criticism over allowing biological males to compete in the women’s category.
The organization recently updated its policy to require athletes competing in domestic women’s competitions to be of the female sex, provided all other entry criteria are met.
The updated policy will come into effect next month.
Lauren Scruggs competes against Alice Volpi in the women’s foil team gold medal match during the Paris Olympic Games. (Katie Goodale-USA Today Sports)
The previous policy required athletes to register with USA Fencing as the gender in which they identify to participate in events, with biological males needing to complete one year of testosterone suppression treatment before competing in women’s events.
In response to new guidelines from the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee, USA Fencing updated its policy to align with national standards while prioritizing respect, fairness, and athlete well-being.
Concerns over the gender eligibility policy arose in April when a video of women’s fencer Stephanie Turner protesting a trans opponent went viral, resulting in her disqualification and sparking backlash against USA Fencing.
Following the controversy, USA Fencing’s board of directors voted to amend previous policies that favored states with LGBTQ-friendly laws for host sites and potentially prevented the playing of the national anthem at events.
Legal action ensued when two board members filed a lawsuit against six at-large members, alleging false statements were made to Congress at a federal hearing in May.
USA Fencing responded to the lawsuit by emphasizing its commitment to transparency, integrity, and the advancement of fencing nationwide.
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