Athlete Ally: USAPL Ban on Trans Powerlifters Discriminatory, Unethical
Athlete Ally responded today to news that USA Powerlifting’s national board of governors voted 46-4 against allowing trans athletes to compete in sex-specific competitions matching their gender identities.
“Access to sport is a human right,” said Anne Lieberman, Athlete Ally’s Director of Policy and Programs. “Trans athletes face disproportionate levels of discrimination, and deserve the same access to the sport they love — and access to the physical, mental and social benefits sports provide — as any other athletes. In addition, other strength-based sport governing bodies, such as USA Weightlifting have worked to build an inclusive environment for all athletes and have experienced no issues with their trans inclusion policies. This ruling by USA Powerlifting goes against Principle 6 of the Olympic Charter, which states that any form of discrimination has no place in Olympic sports.”
Please see the official response by Women’s Strength Coalition and Pull for Pride here.