A UN Rapporteur Supports Donald Trump’s Decree Trump’s Ban on Transgender Athletes in Women’s Sports and Suggests an “Open” Category
Reem Alsalem Endorses Trump’s Decree and Advocates for Fairness in Competition
Reem Alsalem, the UN Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls, has voiced her approval of the executive order signed by Donald Trump on February 5. This policy prevents transgender athletes from competing in women’s sports events. Alsalem believes that this decision sends “a strong signal” supporting women’s rights to exclusive spaces, including in the realm of competitive sports.
While endorsing the measure, Alsalem also proposed creating an “open sports category” to ensure inclusivity for all athletes. In her official statement, she emphasized that this solution would uphold fairness, safety, and dignity for everyone involved.
A Controversial Policy Facing Criticism from Human Rights Groups
The executive order, which halts federal funding to schools allowing transgender students to compete on female teams, has drawn criticism from human rights organizations such as Amnesty International.
Nevertheless, Alsalem regards the measure as “an important step” toward preserving fair play in women’s sports. She underlined the significance of maintaining sex-based categories to guarantee equal opportunities for female athletes.
Read also : Trump Urges IOC Ban on Transgender Athletes
A Call for Inclusive Sports Access for All
Amid growing controversy, the UN rapporteur has urged the U.S. government to ensure that everyone can participate in sports “safely, with dignity, and on equal terms.” She proposed establishing an open category or transforming the existing male category to allow transgender athletes to compete without restrictions related to their biological sex.
Read also: Trump Vows to Remove Protections for Transgender Students.
The U.S. Debate and Pressure Ahead of the 2028 Olympics
Transgender rights remain a divisive issue in the U.S. public discourse. Since returning to office in January, Donald Trump has taken several steps to limit transgender participation across various sectors, claiming his administration aims to end what he terms the “transgender ideology.”
Following this executive order, Trump has also pressured the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in anticipation of the 2028 Summer Olympics, scheduled to take place in Los Angeles. Since 2021, the IOC has allowed individual sports federations to set their own eligibility criteria for athletes.
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