USA Fencing disqualifies athlete over protest against transgender opponent

ISTANBUL

USA Fencing announced Thursday that it disqualified a female fencer from a recent event in Maryland after she refused to compete against a transgender opponent. The decision was in accordance with the sport's governing body regulations.

The event, held on March 30, took place at a USA Fencing-sanctioned regional tournament that was not affiliated with the National Collegiate Athletic Association.

During the tournament, Stephanie Turner removed her mask and knelt in protest before her match against transgender fencer Redmond Sullivan, NBC News reported. In response, the referee issued Turner a black card, resulting in her disqualification from the competition.

In a statement, USA Fencing emphasized its responsibility to ensure fair competition and said that all athletes must adhere to the regulations set by the International Fencing Federation (FIE). The organization explained that Turner's disqualification “was not related to any personal statement but was merely the direct result of her decision to decline to fence an eligible opponent, which the FIE rules clearly prohibit.”

Turner told Fox News that she decided to kneel the night before after discovering who her opponent would be.

Turner recalled the moment, saying Redmond initially thought she was about to start the match. “So, when I took the knee, I looked at the ref and I said, ‘I’m sorry, I cannot do this. I am a woman, and this is a man, and this is a women’s tournament. And I will not fence this individual,’” she explained.

USA Fencing’s 2023 policy on transgender and nonbinary athletes is stated by the organization to be based on research and the principle that "everyone should be able to take part in sports." The organization acknowledged the ongoing discussion, stating, “USA Fencing will always err on the side of inclusion” and will update its guidelines as new evidence or changes in Olympic and Paralympic rules arise.