A leading US feminist group is facing a barrage of criticism for defending the inclusion of trans female athletes in women’s sports.
The National Organization for Women (NOW) shared an article on
The post read: “Repeat after us: weaponizing women against other women is white supremacist patriarchy at work. Making people believe there isn’t enough room for trans women in sports is white supremacist patriarchy at work.”
The post received more than 2,000 comments, many of which were from angry women who said the organization no longer represented them.
One user said: ‘You don’t support women. You no longer represent us… You are the patriarchy and we reject you… We will not support you.”
Another said: ‘You shouldn’t think you represent women.’
One user tweeted: ‘Simply amazing that the organization that fought for women’s rights is now fighting to allow men to subjugate them again. Just incredible.’
Dozens added that NOW is a “women-traitor” that should change its name because it no longer supports women.
The critics argue that advocating for trans women — people who were born male but now identify as female — to compete alongside biological women is essentially patriarchy.
One ‘Making space’ for men means that (the women’s) space disappears.’
Another said that femininity actually “didn’t want men in our spaces.”
One user tweeted: ‘There is plenty of room for trans women in sports, as long as they compete fairly in the correct gender division. They’re men, not women.’
Founded in 1966, NOW has more than 550 local chapters across the United States. It is one of the largest feminist organizations in the country with approximately 500,000 members.
The group has been behind several important changes in the women’s movement, including helping women gain equal access to public places by protesting male-only clubs and establishments.
It was the first national organization to endorse the Equal Rights Act and has helped pass numerous laws addressing violence, harassment and discrimination against women.
The organization made the statement in the tweet alongside a link to an Associated Press article about college athletes suing the National Collegiate Athletic Association.
The lawsuit, filed by 16 female student athletes, accuses the NCAA of violating competitors’ Title IX rights.
Title IX is a federal law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in any educational institution or activity that receives federal funding.
The law requires schools to provide equal opportunities for girls and boys in athletic programs.
In a lawsuit filed by 16 female student athletes, they accuse the NCAA of violating competitors’ Title IX rights
University of Kentucky swimmer Riley Gaines (pictured) is one of 16 female athletes in the lawsuit
The lawsuit highlights a specific case involving Lia Thomas (pictured) – a former University of Pennsylvania swimmer who had previously competed in men’s swimming – and Riley Gaines – a former University of Kentucky swimmer.
The athletes specifically accuse the NCAA of violating Title IX by allowing a transgender female athlete, Lia Thomas, to compete in national championships in 2022.
The lawsuit stems from a January 2022 NCAA ruling that allowed transgender athletes to compete in the category of their affirmed gender on a sport-by-sport basis.
The organization said its decision “preserves opportunities for transgender student-athletes while balancing fairness, inclusivity and safety for all who participate.”
The lawsuit highlights a specific case involving Thomas – a former University of Pennsylvania swimmer who had previously competed in men’s swimming – and Riley Gaines – a former University of Kentucky swimmer.
The two had tied for fifth place in a swimming event, but the lawsuit claims an NCAA official told Gaines that only Thomas could take the podium and hold the trophy.
Gaines claimed the official said, “I’m so sorry, we were told that when taking photos it is critical that Lia Thomas holds the trophy.”
The lawsuit states, “The secret of Thomas’ meteoric rise and dominance in NCAA women’s swimming was preserved by the male advantage.”
It added: “(The plaintiffs) bring this case to secure for future generations of women the promise of Title IX denied to them and other college women (by the NCAA).”
In a statement, the NCAA said it does not comment on pending litigation.