Professional surfer Bethany Hamilton has slammed California officials after organizers of a competition were pressured to include a transgender surfer in the women's division. Hamilton argues that the decision is unfair and does not support the inclusion of biological males in female surfing events.
Professional surfer Bethany Hamilton has ignited a controversy after criticizing California officials for allowing a transgender surfer to compete in the women's division of a competition. The surfing legend has voiced her strong opposition to the inclusion of biological males in female surfing events.
Hamilton's stance stems from the inaugural Huntington Beach Longboard Pro in California this weekend. Organizers of the event were initially set to ban transgender athletes, but reversed their decision after receiving a letter from the California Coastal Commission. The commission threatened to revoke the permit for the event if transgender athletes were not allowed to compete.
In a post on social media, Hamilton expressed her disapproval of the decision. "California state law allows for males in female surfing events," she wrote. "This is not fair game. I do not support this."
Hamilton's comments have sparked a debate about the fairness of transgender athletes competing in women's sports. Some argue that biological males have an unfair advantage over biological females in sports, while others believe that transgender athletes should be allowed to compete in the sport they identify with.
The California Coastal Commission, which is responsible for regulating the event, defended its decision. "This ban is not consistent with the public access, recreation, and environmental justice policies of the Coastal Act," the commission wrote in a letter to the organizers.
The letter went on to say that the event would risk not qualifying for a permit if transgender athletes were not allowed to compete. The organizers subsequently reversed their decision and allowed the transgender surfer, Sasha Jane Lowerson, to compete.
Lowerson, who identifies as a woman, has been surfing for over a decade. She has previously competed in the men's division but has transitioned to the women's division since coming out as transgender.
The controversy has reignited the debate about the participation of transgender athletes in women's sports. Hamilton's comments have received both support and criticism from the surfing community and beyond.
