Olympics and Paralympics: Competitors in Female Categories

Lord Parkinson of Whitley Bay Excerpts

Tuesday 29th October 2024 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Twycross (Lab)]

I do not believe I have said anything to suggest that we would go against the IOC on this one. In relation to the international governance of boxing, a new international federation, World Boxing, was established in 2022. It now has 42 member national federations, including England, Scotland, Wales and a number of others from our like-minded coalition on the sports issues relating to Russia and Belarus.

[Lord Parkinson of Whitley Bay (Con)]

My Lords, the International Olympic Committee has been very clear that all the women who competed in the female boxing category at this year’s Olympic Games were born as women, lived their whole lives as women and,

“comply with the competition’s eligibility and entry regulations”.

This is not, therefore, a question about trans athletes’ participation in competitive sport. I welcome the approach the Minister has taken. Does she agree that this is, rather, an example of an international governing body regulating its sport independently? Will she join me in sending congratulations to all the men and women who represented their countries at the Olympic Games this summer?

[Baroness Twycross (Lab)]

Absolutely. I wholeheartedly join the noble Lord in congratulating all those who were successful in their respective sports during the summer.