Labour has prompted renewed concerns over fairness in women's sport after a new proposed guidance appeared to permit schoolchildren to participate in sports categories designated for the opposite sex.
A Department for Education consultation on school sports guidance, set to conclude later this month, has critics worried about the new wording on single-sex sports in schools.
A vague definition could be seen as unfair and put some girls off taking part.
Under the proposed changes, both boys and girls can compete in sports designated for the opposite sex, unless there are clear "safety concerns".
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Campaign groups and education professionals have expressed alarm at the proposed wording, arguing it could prove unfair to female pupils and potentially deter girls from participating altogether.
They warn that the phrasing of safety may overlook fairness in sports where physical differences can affect performance.
Evidence suggests that perceptions of unfairness can lead to a lack of engagement, particularly at competitive levels.
The proposals form part of a wider set of safeguarding updates, including expanded guidance on mental health, online safety, and harmful sexual behaviour.
Labour has prompted renewed concerns over fairness in women's sport
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Olympic gold medalist Sharron Davies MBE said: "This cannot be allowed. It’s deliberately removing opportunities from girls in ‘girls sport’, that positively changes their lives, and giving them to boys, who already have vastly more opportunities available to them compared to females".
Former MP Kate Hoey echoed the sentiment, adding: "This is madness. We have a female Sports Minister and a female Secretary of State. They must put a stop to this nonsense immediately".
Women's Policy Centre Chair Paola Diana also condemned the proposal, claiming the Labour Government "worsens by the day".
She continued: "Every time you think they cannot sink any lower, they do. We must save girls’ sports. This is unacceptable".
The section on gender-questioning pupils and single-sex provision has emerged as one of the most contested elements.
The consultation reads: "Where there are safety concerns about mixed-sex provision, we have been clear that sports should be provided in single-sex groups.
"However, we recognise how important it is that all children can participate in sports and PE, and the draft reflects the importance of considering fairness and safety for all children."
The Government has highlighted its intention to provide a flexible framework that allows schools to make decisions in the best interests of children, rather than imposing blanket rules.
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A vague definition could be seen as unfair and put some girls off taking part
|GETTY
The Department for Education is expected to review feedback before publishing a final version of the guidance later this year.
However, it would seemingly contradict UK law following the Supreme Court gender ruling in 2025.
The Supreme Court unanimously ruled on April 16, 2025, that the terms "woman" and "sex" in the Equality Act 2010 refer to "a biological woman and biological sex".
Critics fear that these new proposals will allow British institutions to ignore the ruling.
In April 2025, the Supreme Court ruled that the term 'woman' in the Equality Act was defined by biological sex | GettyWhen the ruling was passed, presenter Bev Turner welcomed the Supreme Court's confirmation that biological sex is a legally recognised and immutable characteristic under UK law, in a video message.
Speaking shortly after hosting Britain's Newsroom, Bev Turner described the decision as "historic" and said it brings much-needed clarity to the debate surrounding gender recognition and sex-based rights.
She said: "It’s like the stuff of satire that we should even be having to have that conversation.
"But today, common sense has ruled - has reigned supreme - in the Supreme Court."
The Department of Education claims the proposed guidance sets out that - referencing the Equality Act 2010 - schools can implement single-sex sports for fairness reasons, but will also need to consider what is in the best interests of a child who is questioning their gender, alongside the interests of other children.
A spokesman said: "Schools and colleges should provide equal sporting opportunities for girls and boys and aim to ensure that all children participate in sport safely and fairly, encouraging maximum participation and in line with the guidance of sports’ National Governing Bodies.
"Schools and colleges should make sure nobody is made unsafe - and the guidance is clear that where schools implement single-sex sports for safety reasons there should be no exceptions.
"The guidance is also clear that fairness is a legitimate reason for limiting mixed -sex competitive support where necessary."
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