New Zealand to Revise Transgender Athlete Guidelines Amidst Criticism

New Zealand plans to update its transgender athlete guidelines in community sports following criticism from Olympians regarding female athletes' rights. The guidelines, which promote inclusion, are being reassessed for fairness and safety. Sport NZ is tasked with incorporating feedback and updating the guidelines.

New Zealand is set to revise its guidelines on transgender athlete inclusion in community sports, amid criticism from Olympians regarding female athletes' rights. Sport Minister Chris Bishop has tasked Sport NZ with updating the guidelines to address concerns about fairness and safety, while maintaining inclusion and equity.

Bishop's statement, delivered on Wednesday, was prompted by an open letter from over 50 Olympians, doctors, and sport administrators. The letter criticized the existing guidelines, claiming they undermine the 'fundamental tenets of fairness and safety' in sports. Opponents argue the advantages of male puberty are insufficiently mitigated by transition.

Despite the criticism, supporters of transgender inclusion emphasize the lack of sufficient research on the impact of transition on athletic performance and label exclusion as discrimination. Sport NZ's existing guidelines do not affect elite sports, which are governed by individual sports organizations. CEO Raelene Castle indicated that the updates would be informed by 'learnings from lived experiences' within the sector.

(With inputs from agencies.)