Alice Springs council confirms support for transgender community, days after FINA ruling

A Territory council has released a statement supporting transgender people in sport. SEE WHY

A NORTHERN Territory council has released a statement confirming its support for the transgender community, just days after FINA restricted trans women from competing in female swimming competitions.

In a statement released on Wednesday morning, the Alice Springs Town Council said the town was “diverse”.

“Transphobia has no place in our community or sporting organisations,” the statement read.

“Alice Springs Town Council acknowledges that members of the transgender community face discrimination or exclusion in a sporting context, whether that is conscious or subconscious.

“When this happens, these members of our community miss out on the significant health and wellbeing benefits of sport that everyone has the right to access.”

The statement came out just days after FINA restricted transgender athletes from competing in women’s competitions.

The new policy will see transgender athletes needing to prove they have not experienced any part of male puberty before the age of 12.

However, a spokesman from the council said the statement had nothing to do with the FINA decision.

He said the decision to publish a release was made at the council’s ordinary meeting in April.

The Alice Springs Town Council says discrimination against the LGBTQI+ community is not tolerated in the Red Centre.

“This exclusion can also lead to people feeling as though they are not welcome or safe in our community,” the statement read.

“That is not acceptable.

“Alice Springs Town Council supports inclusion in all sports and we urge sporting organisations across Central Australia to ensure they create a safe and welcoming environment for all Centralians.”

Alice Springs Town Council pledged a commitment working with community members to make sport for everyone in the Red Centre.

“We look forward to working alongside the LGBTIQAP+ community to ensure everyone feels welcome in Central Australia,” the statement read.

The FINA policy came after American swimmer Lia Thomas became the first transgender female to win the 500-yard freestyle at the NCAA championship.
Ms Thomas also broke several national records.