It is a clear position of Boris Johnson, the English Prime Minister who is making a lot of noise across the Channel on the subject of transgender athletes.
And in this case that of a transgender cyclist, Emily Bridges, authorized by the English federation to line up in national women's races but prohibited by the international federation, the UCI, from competing in the events organized under the aegis of the latter.
Invited to comment on this case, Boris Johnson did not discard: “I do not think that biological men should participate in women's sporting events.
This may be a controversial thing to say, but it seems reasonable to me.
(…) I also think that women should have spaces – whether in hospitals, prisons or locker rooms – that are dedicated to women.
That's all I have to say about it.
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Johnson nevertheless wanted to make it clear that the debate around this subject must be carried out.
"If it puts me in conflict with other people, then we have to find a solution," he continues.
This does not mean that I am opposed to people who want to change their sex, to the transition.
And it's essential that we give people the maximum amount of love and support to make these decisions.
But these are complex issues that cannot be resolved through quick and easy legislation.
It takes a lot of thought to get it right.
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Regarding Emily Bridges, the controversy arose from the lack of regulation of transgender athletes at the UCI.
While the English federation authorizes registration for women's events provided that the testosterone level is below five nanomoles per liter for a period of 12 months before the competition.
Which was the case with Emily Bridges.