Martina Navratilova makes her feelings known about Alberta's 'Fairness and Safety in Sport Act,' mandating biological female-only divisions in sports

Martina Navratilova reacted to Alberta, Canada, passing the 'Fairness and Safety in Sport Act' mandating biological female-only divisions in sports. The Bill was passed in its third reading on December 3, 2024.

Bill 29, the Fairness and Safety in Sport Act, was introduced on October 31 and underwent its second reading in November. After continued debates, the third reading was held on December 3. The bill, which has sparked both criticism and support, passed with a narrow 47-33 vote in favor.

During his closing statement supporting Alberta's Fairness and Safety in Sport Act, a government official referenced Hannah Pilling and April Hutchinson as examples of female athletes impacted by transgender inclusion in women’s sports.

Pilling, a high school runner, narrowly missed qualifying for provincials, finishing third in a race where a top two spot went to another athlete who had previously competed in male divisions earlier in the season.

Similarly, powerlifter Hutchinson faced backlash after speaking out against transgender participation in women’s sports. Following her appearance on Piers Morgan Uncensored to voice concerns, she was temporarily banned by the Canadian Powerlifting Union from competing.

Both cases were cited to highlight the bill's intent to protect fairness in female athletic competitions. Further, a video of the Bill passing in Alberta's parliament was posted on X by Hutchinson. In the end, she was seen celebrating her victory.

The video was reshared by Martina Navratilova who applauded the Bill being passed.

The Alberta government, led by Premier Danielle Smith, states that the Bill will ensure:

"Women and girls have the opportunity to compete in biological female-only divisions, while also ensuring transgender athletes are able to meaningfully participate in the sports of their choice."

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Martina Navratilova reacts to controversy over alleged transgender volleyball player in SJSU following their loss

Martina Navratilova The Championships - Wimbledon 2024 (Image: Getty)

Martina Navratilova has weighed in on the controversy surrounding San Jose State University's (SJSU) women’s volleyball team, allegedly featuring a transgender player.

A staunch advocate for maintaining biological distinctions in women’s sports, Navratilova highlighted Boise State’s decision to forfeit twice during the regular season and again in the semifinal against SJSU as a stand for fairness.

SJSU reached the final but lost to Colorado State, sparking a debate on X about transgender athletes' potential advantages. Responding to claims dismissing inherent advantages, Navratilova pointed out:

"There are 6 players on a volleyball team—males have a built-in advantage over females. Try again," she wrote on X.

Navratilova supports transgender rights and inclusion broadly but maintains that biological males should not compete in women’s sports to ensure fairness.