The policy that we have announced is based on science and has been led by medical experts.
Alberta Premier Welcomes IOC Move on Women’s Sports, Urging National Bodies to Follow
International Olympic Committee (IOC) has announced a new policy on the Protection of the Female (Women’s) Category in Olympic Sport.
IOC President Kirsty Coventry said: “As a former athlete, I passionately believe in the rights of all Olympians to take part in fair competition. The policy that we have announced is based on science and has been led by medical experts. At the Olympic Games, even the smallest margins can be the difference between victory and defeat. So, it is absolutely clear that it would not be fair for biological males to compete in the female category. In addition, in some sports it would simply not be safe.”
The policy was developed on the basis that it is universally accepted that providing for a female category is necessary to allow both males and females equal access to elite sport. It was guided by the IOC’s modern goals relating to equality (equal opportunities for female athletes in finals, on podiums and in championships); enhancing Olympic value (featuring both women’s and men’s finals in every sport); and visibility and inspiration (celebrating female athletes on the Olympic podium to inspire and represent women and girls worldwide).
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith
Meanwhile, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has issued a strong statement endorsing the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) recent decision to limit female athletic competitions to biological females, claiming the global sports body has followed the Canadian province’s lead on protecting women’s sports.
In a statement released by the Alberta government, Smith declared: “I, and Alberta’s government, believe that biological men do not belong in women’s sports, period.”
The Premier expressed satisfaction with the IOC’s policy direction, stating she was “very glad to see the International Olympic Committee has followed Alberta’s lead to protect the integrity of female athletic competition by ensuring only biological females can compete in female events.”
Smith highlighted the province’s existing framework for addressing this issue, referencing the Fairness and Safety in Sport Act. According to the Premier, this legislation represents “a balanced approach” designed to ensure “biological women and girls can participate fairly in the sports they love.”
The Act, passed by the Alberta government, establishes parameters for sex-based categories in athletic competition within the province’s jurisdiction.
The statement included a direct appeal to Canadian national sporting organizations to adopt similar policies. Smith specifically named Skate Canada as one organization she expects “will follow Alberta and the IOC’s lead in protecting the fairness and safety of women’s sport.”
This call for alignment suggests the Alberta government is seeking to expand the influence of its policy approach beyond provincial boundaries to national governing bodies.
The statement frames the issue around the principle that “women and girls deserve a level playing field” in athletic competition. By positioning Alberta as a policy leader that influenced the IOC’s decision, Smith’s government is asserting a prominent role in the ongoing global debate about sex, gender, and sports categories.
The reference to “biological men” and “biological females” indicates a policy approach that prioritizes sex-based categories over gender identity in athletic competition.
