Proposed legislation by B.C. Conservatives to limit women’s sports to biological females has been easily defeated by the governing New Democrats, with support from Green and Independent members.
Conservative Party Leader John Rustad introduced the Fairness in Women’s and Girls’ Sports Act on April 30, saying it was the first of its kind in Canada.
The bill would require that publicly funded sports and athletic teams, events, and tournaments be limited to biological females, Mr. Rustad said.
“Maintaining opportunities for female athletes to demonstrate their strength, skills, and athletic abilities and to provide them with the opportunity to obtain recognition and accolades, university scholarships, and numerous other short- and long-term benefits that result from participating in competing in athletic endeavors in the province of British Columbia separate from their male counterparts is just common sense,” he said.
“Female athletes deserve fair representation and the opportunity to work hard to achieve their dreams,” Mr. Rustad said in a news release.
The bill was defeated in a 51–27 vote, with the NDP, Greens, and two Independents voting against it, despite it being customary for bills to receive unanimous support at first reading.
April Hutchinson, a powerlifter for Team Canada who has been outspoken about women’s rights in sports, attended the legislative session, which she said was “emotional” and “disappointing.”
“It was very emotional because it’s something I’ve been struggling with for almost two years,” she told The Epoch Times in a phone interview.
“It’s still shocking that anyone says no or does not support fairness for little girls and women. It’s absolutely crazy.”
Ms. Hutchinson was suspended by the Canadian Powerlifting Union in November 2023 for speaking out against transgender athletes competing against women.
“At the end of the day, I don’t care if I ever powerlift again. But I do care for the future generations and we need to restore integrity, fairness, and safety back to our sports,” she said.
Performance coach Linda Blade said in the news release that there are fundamental differences between biological male and female bodies that need to be acknowledged.
“There is a reason sports have always been divided into men’s and women’s categories and that reason has not suddenly changed in 2024,” she said.
The Epoch Times reached out to Premier David Eby’s office but did not hear back by publication time.
The Conservatives’ attempt to introduce legislation follows Alberta Premier Danielle Smith’s announcement of a similar policy earlier this year.
She said transgender individuals should be able to participate in sports, but not at the expense of opportunities for biological women and girls.
Alberta’s policy would require sporting organizations to have women-only competitions and to expand opportunities for transgender athletes in co-ed categories or other gender-neutral options.
