Belgian Court: Trans Cyclist Exclusion Ruled Discriminatory, Lacking Evidence
A Brussels court has ruled against a cycling federation’s policy excluding a transgender female cyclist from women’s competitions, deeming it discriminatory and lacking scientific basis. The court invalidated the 2023 rule requiring transition before age 12 and ordered compensation for the athlete, noting the impracticality and disproportionate impact. The decision cited the federation’s medical director’s acknowledgment of insufficient scientific evidence supporting performance advantages post-transition. The ruling, which is immediately enforceable, was welcomed by advocates as a critical step towards trans inclusion in sports.
John Q. Hosedrinker