Speaking today, Mr Nelligan said, “The World Athletics Association has voted to ban
transgender women from elite female athletics. They made this decision to protect the principle
of fairness and mitigate physical performance advantages that male-born individuals may have
when competing. This is a very sensitive topic for many, and it’s important that the issue is
treated with compassion. But it’s also important that we use common sense in our approach to
the issue.”
“Sex-segregated sports are central to inclusive athletics. There are clear physical differences
that are the result of male puberty can give biological men a competitive advantage in athletics,
from greater lung capacity to stronger bone density. Allowing biological men to compete in
female sports completely undermines the principle of sex-segregated sport and strips women of
their right to compete on a level playing field.”
Mr Nelligan continued, “Aontú is very concerned about the recent decision by the Ladies’ Gaelic
Football Association to allow male-born players to compete in women’s football. Not only do
male-born players have a competitive advantage, but it also puts biological women at an
increased risk of injury. Aontú has written to the LGFA and hopes for a common-sense and
compassionate solution to this.”
“Women have had to struggle for years to be recognised for their athletic accomplishments. It is
terrible that after such a long journey for female athletes to get the recognition they deserve,
that there are still hurdles being put in their way.”