RFU faces legal action over transgender women ban


RFU faces legal action over transgender women ban

The Rugby Football Union (RFU) is facing legal action against its ban on transgender women playing contact rugby in the female category. 

After consulting medical research the RFU ruled that only individuals who are assigned the sex of female at birth can take part in the female category of the sport. 

The Daily Telegraph is now reporting that transgender player Julie Curtiss is launching legal action against the ruling. Curtiss has reportedly issued the RFU with a pre-action protocol letter in order to give the RFU the chance to resolve the dispute before progressing to court proceedings. Curtiss claims discrimination under the 2010 Equality Act however sport can be an exception as the Act rules it lawful to restrict transgender participation if it is to ensure a level playing field or to protect the safety of competitors. 

Curtiss’ lawyers Russell Cooke said “It is difficult to see how a blanket ban with no exceptions could be justified as necessary. Allowing a particular trans woman to play in the female category for contact rugby may not raise any issues in respect of fair competition or the safety of competitors, and if so her exclusion cannot be justified.”

The RFU has until 30 September to respond and has said “We are in receipt of a pre-action letter of claim and will be responding via our appointed lawyers. We believe any potential claim is without merit and we will robustly defend the case”.

You may also like

View All

Sport Resolutions launches refreshed strategy to support its sustainable growth and integrity in sport

Sport Resolutions is pleased to announce the launch of its refreshed company strategy, developed in response to continued growth within our organisation and the wider evolution of the sporting landscape

Read More

Prevention programmes believe ACL injuries in women’s football can be reduced by half

Prevention programmes believe training and technology could possibly resolve frequent torn anterior cruciate ligaments (ACL) in women’s football by half or more

Read More

Sport Resolutions invites applications for the roles of Chair and Member(s) of the ITF Ethics Commission

Sport Resolutions is seeking independent individuals to serve as Chair and Member(s) of the International Tennis Federation (ITF) Ethics Commission, playing a key role in upholding ethical standards and promoting good governance in international tennis

Read More

Newsletter Signup

Please enter your email address below: