Johnson against equal treatment for women and trans women

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has spoken out against equal treatment for women and trans women, for example, in sports. Image: dpa

Johnson said he thought it was a matter of common sense that biologically male people shouldn’t compete in women’s sports. A cycling case has sparked debate in Britain.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has spoken out against equal treatment for women and trans women in public life. “I don’t think men biologically should compete in women’s sporting tournaments,” Johnson said Wednesday while visiting a hospital in a small town north of London. He added: “Maybe this is a controversial thing, but to me it seems reasonable.”

He also believes women should have spaces for themselves, Johnson continued. He cited hospitals, prisons and changing rooms as examples. He emphasized that this doesn’t mean he doesn’t have immense sympathy for people who want to change their gender. “It’s vital that we give people as much love and support as they can to make these decisions,” the prime minister said. However, these are complex problems that cannot be easily solved.

The statement comes days after a transgender British track cyclist was banned from racing in the UK by her sport’s international governing body. Emily Bridges, 21, started hormone therapy last year and received permission from her British FA to participate. The case sparked debate in the UK.