USA Fencing defends trans-inclusion policies after backlash over Stephanie Turner’s disqualification

COLLEGE PARK, MARYLAND: USA Fencing has justified its stance on trans-inclusion policies after facing widespread criticism for disqualifying women's fencer Stephanie Turner after she kneeled in protest against a transgender competitor.

In a statement on Thursday, April 4, it said, “USA Fencing remains committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful community for everyone in our sport. We believe in the principle of creating a safe community where all athletes, and community members, have a place,” as per Fox News.

"While we understand there are a range of perspectives, USA Fencing will continue to engage in respectful, research-based dialogue and review as policy evolves in the Olympic and Paralympic movement as well as domestic law, hate speech of any kind is not acceptable—online or in person," the statement continued.

“Let's keep the conversation respectful and the strip welcoming to all,” it added.

USA Fencing introduced trans-inclusion policy two years ago

USA Fencing authorized a trans-inclusion policy in 2023, giving a chance to transgender athletes to participate in the women's category at the junior as well as the senior level.

Also in late 2022, the organization announced a policy that read, “Beginning with the 2023-24 national tournament season and beyond, USA Fencing will give preference when selecting host cities for national tournaments to states without laws that harm members of LGBTQ communities as well as states that do not have laws undermining the reproductive health of women.”

Then a year later, USA Fencing released a list, declaring their preferred states to host the games. 

Those states were “California, Colorado, DC, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington.”

USA Fencing doubles down on Stephanie Turner’s disqualification

Stephanie Turner was paired with transgender athlete Redmond Sullivan during a competition in Maryland on March 30 for the Cherry Blossom Open. However, instead of competing, Turner knelt in protest against the inclusion of a transgender athlete. As a result, she was issued a black card, the most severe penalty in fencing.

Regarding the disqualification of Turner, the organization’s spokesperson issued a statement saying, "In the case of Stephanie Turner, her 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.”

“According to the FIE (International Fencing Federation) Technical Rules, specifically Article t.113, a fencer is not permitted to refuse to fence another properly entered fencer for any reason. Under these rules, such a refusal results in disqualification and the corresponding sanctions. This policy exists to maintain fair competition standards and preserve the sport’s integrity,” they added.

Meanwhile, many prominent personalities have shared their opinion on the incident. Tennis legend Martina Navratilova took to social media to express her fury.

“This is what happens when female athletes protest! Anyone here still thinks this is fair??? I am fuming… and shame on @USAFencing, shame on you for doing this. How dare you throw women under the gender bulls**t bus!!!” she wrote on X.