Human Rights Groups Urge IOC to Halt Genetic Sex Testing Plans

Over 80 human rights and sports advocacy groups have urged the International Olympic Committee to discard plans for genetic sex testing of female athletes and a blanket ban on transgender and intersex competitors. The proposed measures threaten gender equity in sports, according to a joint statement by these organizations.

More than 80 human rights and sports advocacy organizations have made a strong appeal to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to cancel purported plans for universal genetic sex testing of female athletes. They also urge against imposing a blanket ban on transgender and intersex competitors.

The joint statement by the Sport & Rights Alliance, ILGA World, Humans of Sport, and several other groups warns that such measures, recommended by the IOC's Protection of the Female Category Working Group, would negatively impact gender equity in sports. The IOC has yet to confirm these recommendations publicly.

International organizations like the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, UN Women, and the World Medical Association have condemned sex testing for being discriminatory. Critics argue that the bans are oblivious to structural disadvantages faced by transgender and intersex athletes. The IOC is expected to announce its findings in 2026.

(With inputs from agencies.)