The International Olympic Committee has announced that transgender athletes will no longer be allowed to compete in women's events at the Olympic Games, starting from the 2028 Los Angeles Games. The new policy requires all athletes in female category events to undergo a one-time SRY gene test to determine eligibility.
Under the rules, only biological female athletes with a negative SRY gene test will be eligible. The IOC stated that the presence of the SRY gene is fixed throughout life and provides accurate evidence of male sex development. The test will be conducted via saliva, cheek swab, or blood sample.
Pride Cup, an advocacy group promoting LGBTQIA+ sports participation, criticized the proposal, saying it will make all women targets for harassment and abuse. The IOC's policy follows an 18-month consultation phase and is expected to be adopted by international sports federations.
Exceptions exist for rare cases such as complete androgen insensitivity syndrome. Athletes with a positive SRY test may still compete in male or open categories. The rules have no retroactive power and do not affect grassroots or amateur sports.
