Senator Cornyn Calls for IOC to Ban Biological Males from Women’s Sports

Senator John Cornyn of Texas has formally urged the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to implement a ban on biological males competing in women’s sports. In a letter addressed to IOC President Kirsty Coventry, dated Monday, Cornyn expressed his concerns regarding the fairness and integrity of women’s athletics as the organization prepares for upcoming events, including the 2026 Winter Olympics and the 2028 Summer Olympics.

The IOC is reportedly in the process of developing a new policy that would restrict transgender female athletes from participating in women’s competitions. According to various reports, this policy may also extend to athletes with differences of sex development, reflecting a significant shift in approach as the Olympic Games approach. Cornyn emphasized the urgency of finalizing this policy, citing the imminent dates of the Winter Games in February and the preparations for the Los Angeles Summer Games.

In his letter, Cornyn wrote, “Reports indicate the working group is moving towards a complete ban on biological males competing in female events, but that decision is not yet confirmed.” He urged the IOC to act decisively to ensure fair competition for women, stating, “Timely action is essential as this issue has become a global policy concern and a question of athletic integrity.”

The senator referenced that former President Donald Trump previously reinforced the principle of maintaining women’s sports for biological females through the issuance of Executive Order 1420: Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports. Cornyn praised the IOC’s commitment to addressing this contentious issue, urging for a swift resolution to protect women’s athletics.

The IOC has indicated that it recognizes the need to preserve the integrity of women’s categories in sports. Coventry commented on this matter in June, noting, “We have to protect the female category, first and foremost to ensure fairness.” She acknowledged the necessity of a scientific approach and the involvement of international federations that have already conducted research in this area.

As the IOC continues to deliberate, the sporting community remains attentive to the developments surrounding this policy, which is expected to be announced in February, just ahead of the Winter Olympics. The implications of this decision could resonate widely, influencing not only the Olympic landscape but also the broader conversation around gender and sports globally.