Hello everyone. The important topic we are debating today is whether transgender athletes can participate in competitive sports. As the Deputy Government Whip, I will represent the government's position. In order to maintain the fairness of the overall environment in women's sports, we firmly support limiting the participation of transgender athletes in competitions to protect the integrity of women's sports and the legitimate rights and interests of cisgender women in sports competitions. This aims to reduce social chaos and conflicts arising from women's rights in the absence of standards.
Before we begin, I would like to question your views:
(1) Advocating for transgender athletes to participate in women's sports competitions, how should we compensate for the lost opportunities and benefits of cisgender women?
(2) (From a physiological dimension, it is not simply a matter of individual differences, but rather a systemic physiological advantage.) How can this issue be resolved?
(3) (The in-depth analysis section indicates that the significant inequality in results also suggests inequality of opportunity) When we talk about fairness, should we go beyond physiological indicators? Do the current competition rules truly achieve equality of opportunity?
In the debate with the opposition party, we achieved victory in the following aspects.
(1) First, in terms of physiological differences, transgender athletes exhibit significant physiological differences compared to cisgender women. Transgender women who have undergone 24 months of hormone therapy still retain strength advantages. Additionally, muscle memory allows them to easily return to pre-transition levels, and their skeletal structure and height after puberty provide them with inherent advantages in sports. How can fairness and inclusivity for the female group be ensured once transgender athletes overcome psychological challenges?
(2) Secondly, in terms of human rights and ethics, it is important to weigh the interests of a minority (the choice to speak) but we need to maintain the fairness of the overall competitive environment. The participation of transgender individuals may cause psychological pressure on other athletes, affecting their competition status and mental health. Recently, the performance of transgender athletes in the women's boxing competition at the Paris Olympics sparked controversy, severely infringing on the rights of female athletes. Many women face unfair competition in events, resulting in the loss of opportunities to win medals. As of March 30, 2024, over 890 female athletes have lost medals. Your side's support for transgender athletes seeking privileges will further harm women's rights, and the voices of female athletes are being marginalized. In 1917, a French woman’s struggle with the International Olympic Committee gradually allowed women to participate in the Olympics. It was not until the 1928 Amsterdam Olympics that male and female athletes truly achieved institutional equality in competition. Our government believes that we cannot turn back history and allow women's rights to be infringed upon again.
In addition, as of 2023, most civilized countries have adopted restrictive policies regarding the participation of transgender athletes in international policies and laws. As a government, we should govern according to the standards of world powers. For example, China and Russia have strict restrictions on transgender athletes, some Middle Eastern countries such as Saudi Arabia generally do not allow transgender athletes to compete, and certain states in the United States have also enacted relevant laws.
Sublimation:
Therefore, we should restrict the eligibility of transgender athletes to participate in women's sports competitions; further lower the upper limit of serum testosterone in women's competitions and seek new criteria for evaluation.
This is a process of gradual transition, and we should seek appropriate solutions based on more scientific research as the number of transgender individuals increases; currently, openness may lead to confusion. As a government, we need to establish standards in the absence of existing ones, while finding fair solutions that maintain social stability and protect the rights of cisgender women.
Opposition Whip
Hello, colleagues. I am the Deputy Whip of the Opposition, and today I will represent the Opposition in expressing our views on the participation of transgender athletes in women's sports competitions.
Before we begin, you did not provide us with a solution to the questions we asked earlier:
May I ask the government side, how do you ensure the rights and interests of transgender athletes? As a minority group, transgender athletes should not be sacrificed.
(2) (Value at the conclusion: Let us explore a development path that respects differences while ensuring fairness, with a more open and rational attitude. This is not only related to the future of sports competition but also an important test for human civilization... If they have not answered the aforementioned, I would like to ask: ) Please allow me to ask the opposing debater again: How should we ensure the rights of transgender individuals to participate in sports competitions?
We believe that restricting the participation of transgender athletes is a violation of human rights, rather than a maintenance of fairness.
We firmly oppose the government's proposal to restrict transgender athletes from competing, as it will lead to social inequality of opportunities and hinder the equality of sports competition and social recognition.
Based on physiological aspects, we should define transgender athletes on a scientific basis, as their participation is an extension of the definition of female athletes. For example, New Zealand athlete Hubbard was forced to undergo hormone treatment for up to five years due to the difference between her physiological sex and gender assigned at birth—such a precious five years for an athlete! Controversial public opinion has hindered her ability to express herself and participate normally in competitions. The International Olympic Committee has already recognized the eligibility of transgender athletes, and we should develop more comprehensive rules on this basis, rather than restricting their participation in competitions.
Secondly, in terms of human rights, as my colleague mentioned, the core of the spirit of sports lies in ensuring fair participation opportunities, rather than pursuing absolute equality of outcomes. Interpreting transgender participation as a "pursuit of privilege" seriously distorts the essence of gender identity.
With the increase of the transgender community, we must pay attention to their social identity and view the participation of transgender athletes as a key to promoting social progress. Sports are not only about competition but also serve as a platform to showcase social inclusivity. Restricting the participation of transgender athletes means depriving them of their rights to express themselves and pursue their dreams in sports. We need to recognize that transgender athletes often face immense social pressure and psychological burdens; in their pursuit of equal participation rights, they are not only speaking for themselves but also advocating for broader social acceptance for the entire transgender community.
In addition, the participation of transgender athletes can promote societal understanding of gender diversity. By seeing transgender athletes in the competitive arena, we can break down entrenched gender stereotypes and foster a more open discussion about gender identity. This inclusivity benefits not only transgender individuals but also helps to establish a more equitable and open social environment.
Finally, historically, the standards for participation have been continuously expanded and made more inclusive, with an increasing number of countries' laws accepting this group based on ethical and moral standards. Prohibiting participation is undoubtedly a form of group discrimination; if transgender individuals are not granted equal rights, it will inevitably lead to conflicts between groups. Therefore, we should define the eligibility of transgender athletes for competition based on scientific foundations and further research, rather than simply excluding them. A blanket ban and restrictions on transgender athletes' participation will only postpone the issue, leaving us unable to see how to resolve the contradictions.
Thank you, everyone!