Trans Equality Together condemns IRFU decision to ban trans women and girls from playing contact rugby


Wednesday, 10th August 2022

Trans Equality Together condemns IRFU decision to ban trans women and girls from playing contact rugby

Trans Equality Together has today (10.08.22) condemned the IRFU’s decision to ban trans women and girls over the age of 12 from playing contact rugby, and are calling on the IRFU to immediately pause this damaging decision. Trans Equality Together is a coalition working to create an Ireland where trans people are equal, safe and valued.  Led by TENI, Belong To and LGBT Ireland, the coalition has over 20 member organisations throughout Ireland.

Commenting on their deep disappointment at the decision this afternoon Moninne Griffith, CEO of Belong To and Co-Director of Trans Equality Together, said: “This reactionary ban directly affects a very small number of trans players in Ireland, but it will have deep-reaching negative consequences across society. It is openly sending a message to trans people, their families and allies that they are not welcome in the rugby community. It is also setting a dangerous precedent for other Irish sporting organisations to follow their lead in banning trans players. We note the IRFU’s values include respect, integrity, and inclusivity – this decision flies in the face of these values.”

Also commenting was Tina Kolos Orban, CEO of TENI and Co-Director of Trans Equality Together, who said: “The IRFU’s decision follows England RFU’s same ban in recent weeks, a decision which was based on problematic UK-specific research with a number of unaddressed limitations. Ireland is not the UK, and any decision regarding trans players in Ireland should be based on Ireland-specific research which we are urging the IRFU to undertake.

“The trans community and the wider rugby community should be central to any decision being made regarding who can and cannot play, and we are calling on the IRFU to begin this consultation process. This blanket ban is a blunt tool that has not sought to understand the views of those affected by this move.”

“Ireland has a strong track record for leading on LGBTQ+ rights with the marriage equality referendum, and the enacting of the Gender Recognition Act in 2015, which was greeted with widespread approval when it was introduced”, said Paula Fagan, CEO of LGBT Ireland and Co-Director of Trans Equality Together.

“Ireland should not follow the UK’s lead in trying to reduce the number of spaces that trans women can exist in safety. There is no place in Ireland for the divisive and polarising rhetoric regarding trans rights we have seen taking place in the UK.  Ireland can and should do better.”

Ms Fagan concluded, “We are urging the IRFU to reconsider their decision. The IRFU has an opportunity to be leaders in the space of diversity, inclusion and equality, and we would welcome an opportunity to discuss this further with the IRFU.”

Further information about Trans Equality Together is available at www.transequalitytogether.com.

ENDS

Contact: Emily Brennan / Maisie Lynch, Alice PR & Events, Tel: 086-1658629 / 086-8966298, Email: media@alicepr.com.

Notes to Editors:

  • Spokespersons from Trans Equality Together are available for media interview.
  • Further information on Trans Equality Together can be found on its website here: www.transequalitytogether.com