IOC Under Fire As Human Rights Groups Oppose ‘Sex Testing’ Plans

Last Updated:March 18, 2026, 18:17 IST

Over 80 rights groups urge the IOC to reject reported plans for genetic sex testing and bans on transgender athletes, warning of major setbacks for inclusion in sport.

More than 80 human rights and sports advocacy organisations have urged the International Olympic Committee to abandon reported plans to introduce universal genetic sex testing for female athletes.

The joint statement, backed by groups like the Sport & Rights Alliance (SRA) and ILGA World, warns the move could significantly roll back progress on gender inclusion in sport.

What’s Being Proposed?

According to the statement, the IOC’s Protection of the Female Category Working Group has reportedly recommended:

• Mandatory genetic sex verification for all female athletes
• A blanket ban on transgender and intersex athletes in women’s events

The IOC, however, says no final decisions have been made.

“The working group is continuing discussions… no decisions have been taken yet," an IOC spokesperson said.

“Catastrophic Erosion"

Critics didn’t hold back.

Andrea Florence, executive director of the SRA, called the proposals a “catastrophic erosion of women’s rights and safety."

Advocates argue such policies would violate privacy, increase discrimination, and undermine fairness rather than protect it.

Payoshni Mitra of Humans of Sport added that sex testing could expose athletes, especially minors, to safeguarding risks.

A Long-Running Debate

The IOC last used universal sex testing at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics before discontinuing the practice.

In 2021, it shifted responsibility to individual federations, allowing them to set their own rules on transgender participation, leading to varied policies across sports.

Some governing bodies have since tightened regulations, adding fuel to an already polarising debate.

What Comes Next?

For now, nothing is official.

But the reaction shows just how contentious the issue of balancing fair competition, inclusion, and athlete rights remains.

Whatever the IOC decides next could reshape the future of women’s sport globally.

(with Reuters inputs)

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