Just 1 in 5 back trans women in female sport

MOST people do not think transgender athletes should be allowed to compete against women, according to a survey.

Only 19 per cent of Britons supported allowing trans women in female sporting events, compared with 57 per cent who were against.

Some 5,000 people were polled for the research by think-tank More in Common. Even among younger participants – aged in their mid-20s or under – 38 per cent were opposed to biological males competing against women, compared with 37 per cent in favour.

The findings come after months of controversy over transgender women wanting to take part in elite female sporting events.

Trans swimmer Lia Thomas won a US college championship just three years after competing as a man while trans cyclist Emily Bridges was barred at the last minute from taking part in a female race, a month after she had competed in men’s events.