RUGBY CANADA PROVIDES UPDATE ON FEEDBACK TO PROPOSED TRANSGENDER GUIDELINES
Rugby Canada has made clear that the draft guidelines, as currently presented, are not policy that can or will be adopted should they move forward. Rugby participation in Canada will continue to be guided by the existing Trans Inclusion Policy and the Canadian Charter of Rights & Freedoms.
September 3, 2020 (Langford, BC) – Rugby Canada has completed their feedback submission to World Rugby as part of the consultative process regarding circulated draft transgender guidelines. The submission included the full version of Rugby Canada’s Trans Inclusion Policy, as well as documented lived experiences of Canadian rugby trans participants that were consulted as part of the feedback process.
Rugby Canada has made clear that the draft guidelines, as currently presented, are not policy that can or will be adopted should they move forward. Rugby participation in Canada will continue to be guided by the existing Trans Inclusion Policy and the Canadian Charter of Rights & Freedoms.
Rugby Canada CEO Allen Vansen stated, “Our trans inclusion policy was written and developed by Sport, Law & Strategy Group, and is aligned with the guidance document ‘Creating Inclusive Environments for Trans Participants in Canadian Sport.’ Participation in community rugby in Canada is encouraged based on the gender in which a participant identifies and is not to be subjected to requirements for disclosure of personal information beyond those required of cisgender athletes.”
If World Rugby’s proposed guidelines remain unchanged and are approved by Council, it is still recommended that each Union adopts its own regulations to determine the eligibility of transgender players to compete in events in its own jurisdiction.
“As a national Union of a G7 nation, we recognize our leadership role in this area,” said Rugby Canada Board Chair Tim Powers. “Rugby Canada believes that all individuals deserve respectful and inclusive environments for participation that value the individuals’ gender identity and gender expression. We want to ensure that all participants have access to programming and facilities in which they feel comfortable and safe, and will continue to take all steps necessary to do so.”
Rugby Canada supports inclusive rugby events across our country, including the Bingham Cup, an international gay rugby union tournament that promotes inclusivity, equality and competition. Now scheduled for 2022 in Ottawa due to the COVID pandemic, the tournament will also host an international conference to address the legal and social challenges faced by trans athletes.
Powers continued, “Rugby Canada, in conjunction with Rugby Ontario, are proud to partner with the Bingham Cup organizers. Working together, we will continue to ensure that there is a place for everyone to play rugby in Canada.”