The ban is part of the Fairness and Safety in Sport Act, one of three bills targeting the trans community in the province…
New regulations for trans athletes will take effect on September 1, 2025 in Alberta. The new rules come under the province’s Fairness and Safety in Sport Act (Bill 29) and will ban transgender athletes 12 years of age and up from competing in female-only amateur sports.
The act requires sports divisions to establish new policies surrounding athlete eligibility, specifically around confirming one’s gender. It also advises the formation of co-ed divisions to accommodate transgender athletes. The government positions this as a fair and balanced approach.
Those for the bill believe trans athletes have an unfair physical advantage when competing, even though data is incomplete and not conclusive according to experts. Trans advocates have blasted the act calling it discriminatory and a form of gender policing that stigmatizes and punishes the transgender community.
The new rules will not apply to trans athletes competing in male-only amateur sports or trans women from out-of-province.
Why are out-of-province athletes not banned?
The new requirements only apply to those living in Alberta. It does not ban trans athletes from other provinces coming to Alberta from competing in sporting events. Minister of Tourism and Sport, Andrew Boitchenko, said the province doesn’t have authority in different jurisdictions, adding it is out of their hands.
In addition to his comments, Vanessa Gomez, ministry spokeswoman, said it’s due to out-of-province and international guidelines. She says the government’s decision is one that is “best for Albertan athletes.”
Alberta’s war on trans people
Last year, three bills targeting the trans community were introduced in the Alberta legislature. The bills have come with a flurry of criticism and legal challenges.
The Education Amendment Act (Bill 27) targets Alberta schools. The act requires parental opt-in before courses on sexual orientation, gender identity and human sexuality. Materials about the topics must also be pre-approved by the Ministry of Education. Another provision notes that those under 16 will require parental consent for any name or pronoun changes in the classroom. Advocates say the move makes schools less inclusive and welcoming for 2SLGBTQI+ students.
The Health Statutes Amendment Act (Bill 26) bans gender-affirming hormonal treatments and gender-affirming surgeries for those under 18. Egale Canada and Skipping Stone, which connects trans and gender diverse people with access to support, along with five gender diverse youth (supported by their parents) initiated litigation against the Government of Alberta over Bill 26. The case, Egale Canada et al. v. His Majesty The King In Right Of Alberta et al. was granted an injunction on June 27, 2025. This blocks Bill 26 as the constitutional challenge proceeds.
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