Government reiterate ‘biological sex’ should determine participation in women’s sport

The Government have reiterated that ‘biological sex’ should determine who takes part in women’s sport despite transgender cyclist Emily Bridges saying she suffered physical threats after Boris Johnson first issued that stance.

When the row over Bridges’ potential participation in female races erupted in April, Prime Minister Johnson weighed into the debate by claiming: ‘I don’t think that biological men should be competing in female sporting events.’

The 21-year-old Welsh rider has since been temporarily barred from competing by cycling’s world governing body, the UCI, as well as British Cycling, who have suspended their transgender policy.

But Bridges criticised Johnson in her first broadcast interview this week, telling ITV News: ‘It’s really strange to see probably the most famous man in Britain talking about you and having an opinion on something that he doesn’t know anything about.

‘The response after that was as expected, I had threats of physical violence made against me by complete strangers online.’

Health Secretary Sajid Javid, however, has responded to Bridges’ interview by doubling down on the Government’s position.

The Government have reiterated that ‘biological sex’ should determine who takes part in women’s sport after the debate over Emily Bridges’ participation in female races

In April, Prime Minister Boris Johnson weighed into the debate after the row over the 21-year-old’s participation erupted

In a recent interview, Bridges said she had received physical threats following the PM’s words

‘As for what the Prime Minister has said when it comes to sporting competitions, I would think rightly that the vast, vast majority of people would agree that when you have competitions that are based on sex, male and female, we mustn’t confuse that with gender, and it’s biological sex that matters,’ said Javid.

Bridges’ hopes of racing as a woman remain in limbo after the UCI told her they require more information before they agree to her registration, likely to take at least another two months.

She has been ruled out of competing for Wales at next month’s Commonwealth Games, the event she admitted was her main goal for the season.

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Health Secretary Sajid Javid has since doubled down on the Government’s position