Trans snooker players could be banned from the women’s game – following similar crackdowns in football and cricket.
The sport’s governing body is currently revisiting its gender policy in light of the Supreme Court‘s landmark ruling on the definition of a woman last month.
It comes as LGBTQ+ charity Stonewall was accused on Friday of suggesting the court’s decision on biological sex was not legally binding.
The organisation criticised the decision made by Football Association to only allow biologically women to compete in the female game.
However, women’s rights group Sex Matters has now claimed Stonewall is encouraging organisations ‘to act unlawfully’ by suggesting they keep allowing trans women to use female-only spaces.
Chief executive Maya Forstater said according to The Telegraph: ‘Stonewall remains an influential institution, which has the legitimacy of charitable status.
‘It should not be encouraging employers, service providers, sports governing bodies or individuals to ignore or flout the law.’
The news that snooker may also ban trans women from the female game was welcomed by former world No.1 Maria Catalano.
For Women Scotland directors Susan Smith (left) and Marion Calder (right) celebrate the landmark ruling on April 16
Trans snooker players could be banned from the women’s game – following similar crackdowns in football and cricket (stock photo)
Fiona McAnena, Maya Forstater, Pam Ghosal and Helen Joyce stand outside the supreme court on the day of the ruling
The World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) previously allowed trans women with reduced testosterone levels to compete in women’s competitions.
Ms Catalano took a strong stance against the decision and has refused to play in the three years since it came into force.
Meanwhile on Friday, the England and Wales Cricket Board declared that transgender women would be blocked from taking part in all levels of the women’s game.
The rules on trans women competing in the sport will take effect immediately, the ECB announced.
It said trans women and girls can continue to participate in the sport – but only when playing in open and mixed categories.
The sporting body also said that discrimination had ‘no place’ in the sport, as they vowed to make sure cricket is ‘played in a spirit of respect and inclusivity’.
The ECB added: ‘We acknowledge that this decision will have a significant impact on transgender women and girls.
‘We will work with Recreational Cricket Boards to support people impacted by this change in our regulations.
‘We await updated guidance from the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) and will study this carefully.’
On Friday, the England and Wales Cricket Board declared transgender women would be blocked from taking part in all levels of the women’s game (stock photo)
Stonewall FC, an LGBTQ+ orientated football team (pictured) started in 1991 and based in East London, said they were ‘deeply saddened’ by the decision
Their 2024 transgender policy regulations stated that any individual who had gone through male puberty could not participate in the top two tiers of the women’s sport.
The move came just one day after the English Football Association also announced transgender women would be barred from playing in women’s football from June 1.
Stonewall FC, an LGBTQ+ orientated football team started in 1991 and based in East London, said they were ‘deeply saddened’ by the decision.
When they were founded, the London FA reportedly said: ‘We don’t pay any attention to a team’s race, creed, religion or private life – so long as they can play football.’
Issuing a statement on the FA decision, they said: ‘The policy change sends a harmful message to trans players across the country – players who simply want to be part of the game they love, in the gender they live and identify as.
‘We recognise the pain and frustration this ruling will cause, and we stand in unwavering solidarity with our trans and non-binary teammates, opponents, friends and supporters.’
The sports team added: ‘Trans rights are human rights. That includes the right to play, to belong and to thrive in sport.
‘While we understand the complexities the FA cites, we believe any policy change that denies people access to the pitch is a step backwards.’
A spokesperson for Stonewall said of the accusations made by Sex Matters: ‘We are taking time, and legal advice, to fully understand the implications of the Supreme Court ruling.’
A spokesperson for the WPBSA said: ‘This is a complicated issue as the WPBSA has to ensure it complies with equality legislation around the world as well as in the UK.’
