Courtesy-Rugby World
The French rugby federation is allowing transgender athletes to compete in all domestic events beginning next season, defying World Rugby regulations. According to a statement published by the French federation, its executive board unanimously voted in support of the motion from its Anti-Discrimination and Equal Treatment Commission.
World Rugby suggested that transgender women not compete in women’s elite or international teams for safety concerns in October of last year, becoming one of the first major world sports to do so. However, the governing body’s principles are simply suggestions and are not obligatory on national unions in their domestic contests.
“Rugby is an inclusive, sharing sport, without distinction of sex, gender, origin or religion,” the vice-president of the French rugby federation, Serge Simon said. “It is important to allow all our members to practice their passion while respecting everyone’s rights. With two years to go before the World Cup in France, the French federation said the vote sends a benevolent and resolute signal that respect for minorities is an irrefutable right in our sport,” Serge added.
According to the revised recommendations, transgender people who have been “physically reassigned and recognized in their present gender” are eligible to compete in all of the French federation’s official tournaments. Those who are transitioning to a new sexual identity must present confirmation that their civil record has altered.