British Prime Minister Boris Johnson wants to ban transgender people from women’s sports | Abroad

“I also think that women should have spaces that are only meant for women, whether that be in a hospital, in a prison or in changing rooms,” the prime minister also said.

Yet the soup is not eaten as hot when served, it turns out. “If I am controversial with that, then we have to work it out together. I have immense sympathy for people who want to transition and it’s crucial that we give those people the love they deserve when they make that decision,” Johnson said.

“These are complex issues and they cannot simply be solved with a piece of paper. We have to think about this carefully and a lot to arrange things as best as possible for everyone.”

Where did Johnson’s statements come from?
In England there has been a lot of fuss lately about transgender people in sport. British cyclist Emily Bridges, for example, was refused by the international cycling association UCI when she wanted to participate in a competition. Bridges transitioned a while ago.

Johnson’s comments are in response to a letter signed by a number of cyclists, scientists and researchers. In the letter, the cyclists call on the UCI to delete the rules for transgender athletes, because they revolve around testosterone levels. Instead, the criteria should be based on “biologically feminine characteristics,” the signatories said.

The British Cycling Federation said it would “encourage the discussion. We’ve worked hard for everyone to have their say about our policy on the inclusion of transgender athletes. The discussions are important to come together to achieve the fairest possible sport for everyone, without losing anyone’s respect or dignity.”

Bridges, in turn, is disappointed. She feels “humiliated and demonized. I’m an athlete and I just want to be able to race again. I hope they reverse their decision as the rules dictate.”