According to SNP ministers, transgender girls should be allowed to compete with biological women in school sports.
A guide sent out to teachers states that if secondary schools organize physical education classes by gender, a transgender student “should be allowed to participate in a group that matches their gender identity.”
Non-binary young people should be asked “in which group would they feel most comfortable.”
The Handbook Supporting Transgender Students in Schools was released last year and included a dedicated section on sports and physical education.
Regarding the competition, it says that teachers should “take into account the age and developmental level of the participants.”
And with regard to “inter-school competitions”, it is suggested that teachers “talk to similar staff at the other school(s) to let them know that there is a transgender youth in your team/competition, but only with the youth’s consent.”
The document comes just days after Boris Johnson said transgender women should not be allowed to compete with biological women in sports.
Judging by this controversial issue, the Scottish government is at odds with the British ministers.
Scottish Conservative gender reform spokesman Megan Gallagher said: “Our party’s position is that women’s sport should be reserved for female athletes.
“It is deeply unfair to women that they can be beaten up by another person who has biological advantages that they do not have. This is contrary to the spirit of fair sporting competition.
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“The problem arises not only at the elite level, when women who have worked hard to become champions are suddenly defeated, but also at the school and community level.”
The Conservatives will release their election manifesto to local government this week, promising to keep women’s right to women-only seats.
British Cycling suspended its policy on transgender cyclists last week, saying it was “unfair to all female riders”.
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It follows a scandal in America last month when swimmer Leah Thomas won the 500m freestyle title, making history as the first known transgender athlete to win the U.S. College Swimming Championships when she won the title in Atlanta.
Prior to the transition, Ms. Thomas was ranked 554th in the men’s 200-yard freestyle and 65th in the men’s 500-yard freestyle.
But the Pennsylvania swimmer has risen from a mid-500 in the men’s event to one of the best swimmers in the women’s event.
A Scottish government spokesman said: “Every child and young person, including transgender people, deserves the right to feel happy, protected and respected at school.”
They said the guidance “clearly sets out the considerations that schools should consider when considering physical education and school sports, including in elementary schools, school sports days and in secondary schools.” students so that they can fully participate in their education and reach their potential.”
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