- cross-posted to:
- lgbtq_plus@beehaw.org
- cross-posted to:
- lgbtq_plus@beehaw.org
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Here’s the quote:
“I think the important thing is that the sports governing bodies take a lead on this. And they are doing that, and we’re supportive of what they’re doing, particularly in elite sport.
“So, that’s where the decision should be taken. They’ve taken a number of decisions. And, in the end, common sense has to prevail in terms of safety and integrity of sport.”
Like just about every one of Starmer’s statements it feels like it has been forensically assembled in a manner best designed not to scare the horses (and as this is an interview with the Torygraph he clearly had a target audience in mind).
He could have said “while it might not reflect my own personal views on the matter, I think it’s important for the governing bodies of the sports to make their decisions based on the available science, without political interference” (because you don’t want more conservative countries with deep pockets sticking their oar in and trying to dictate the rules) but that would have left him open to a follow-up question along the lines of “so what are your personal views?”
Unfortunately, he’s playing it so safe, I don’t think anyone is happy with what he says. However, as we are in thus shitshow because a prospective Labour PM ate a bacon sandwich weirdly, I can see why he’s working so hard not to present the Tory press with an easy target. Especially as he knows most voters are just going to be voting to get the Tories out.
That’s the problem with sitting on the fence. The fence sitter thinks they will avoid upsetting either side by taking a side, but ends up leaving them both disappointed by not doing so.
There isn’t always a safe play to make for every issue. It’s a lesson I thought Labour would have learned after failing with their deliberately muddled Brexit messaging.
I think sports is one of the few clear examples where there is a conflict between different societal groups. Trans people should have the right to participate in sports and simultaneously women should have the right to compete on an even playing field in sports.
I’m not sure that there is a solution to this that everyone will feel is fair. Certain sports like Darts or Snooker shouldn’t have any sex segregation whatsoever. Other sports like rugby need to enforce some kind of barrier to entry so that women who participate don’t get injured when competing with women who have gone through male puberty.
I can see why Starmer weighing in would be controversial. However, devolving responsibility to the decision to the individual sports bodies is the most practical way to resolve this since the governing body in question.
